Exact Cross Mol: Mathieu van der Poel dominant in first 'cross meeting with Wout van Aert

Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert did battle for the first time in the 2023-24 cyclocross season in the sand at Mol
Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert did battle for the first time in the 2023-24 cyclocross season in the sand at Mol (Image credit: Getty Images)

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) came out on top of his first cyclocross showdown with Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) this season, taking a comprehensive solo victory through the sand at the Exact Cross Zilvermeercross in Mol.

The world champion, starting his second race of the season after dominating in Herentals at the weekend, left Van Aert behind on the third of 10 laps after the pair had established themselves at the front during the early laps.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.

Latest on Cyclingnews