Michael Vanthourenhout victorious at Exact Cross Sint-Niklass, Toon Aerts 4th on return to racing

Michael Vanthourenhout has taken the win at Exact Cross Sint-Niklaas after a very commanding performance from the European champion. On his return to competitive action, Toon Aerts had to settle for 4th.

The big story pre-race was the return to action after a doping ban of multiple-time UCI World Cup winner, Toon Aerts. In the early stages, Aerts was competitive at the front but Michael Vanthourenhout was a clear step above the rest, leading by 26 seconds after three laps.

As the European champion powered off towards victory, the chasers began to cluster behind him. The first of that group to attack, the in-form Joran Wyseure. With five laps down, Wyseure had been caught by the likes of Eli Iserbyt and Toon Vandebosch although Aerts was beginning to struggle.

With Vanthourenhout powering towards the victory, despite a frantic chase by Aerts, he couldn't bag a podium place on his return, finishing 4th behind Iserbyt and Lars Van der Haar.