When some doubted his performance on the snowy terrain, the Belgian champion never seemed to doubt his chances. From the second lap, Van Aert launched a solo attack that allowed him to reach the finish line as the winner, almost 50 seconds ahead of his compatriot Michael Vanthourenhout, who was second.
RECOMENDADO
How much you have to pedal to lose one kilogram of fat
Brujulabike wishes you a Merry Christmas
Rapha Festive 500 2022: prizes and registrations for the most classical Christmas Challenge
25 cycling gifts ideas to get it right
Do you need a power meter to become a better cyclist?
Our 7 favourite XC hardtails of 2022
Britain's Tom Pidcock put in a better performance than just a week ago and made a great comeback to make it onto the podium, almost a minute and a half behind. In fact, the feeling that Pidcock left was that he could soon be fighting for the victory.
World Cup overall leader Eli Iserbyt was fourth at 1:44 minutes, which means he still leads the competition.
In the women's race, Dutchwoman Fem van Empel achieved her first World Cup victory ahead of the big favourite Marianne Vos and Canadian Maghalie Rochet.