And they're off, and it's immediately Mathieu Van Der Poel. The world champion's season officially begins with a victory in Zonhoven, Belgium, in the fifth round of the Elite Cyclocross World Cup. The Dutch rider's hunger for victory, ambition, and competitiveness were destined to win. And so it was upon his return to mud competitions with a performance worthy of a great champion. Van Der Poel remains alone in the lead just after the first 300 meters of the race. Impressive was the pace set by the Alpecin Deceuninck superstar, who crushes his opponents from the start and flies towards triumph. Behind him, the son of a cycling legend and European champion, Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek Lions), and Joran Wyseure finish in second and third place respectively.