Van Aert captures third cyclo cross world title in a row

THE HAGUE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Wout Van Aert won the world title cyclo cross in Valkenburg, the Netherlands on Sunday.

Van Aert drove away from title favorite Mathieu van der Poel in the second round and did not cede the advantage after that.

For Dutchman Van der Poel, who finished third behind Belgian Michael Vanthourenhout, his defeat was a major disappointment. Van der Poel had won 26 of the 32 previous races he competed in this season.

With his third consecutive title, Van Aert became sixth rider to win three worlds in a row. His compatriot Roland Liboton was the last rider to do so, accomplishing the feat in 1984. Enditem