Mathieu Van Der Poel equals Eric De Vlaeminck's record with seven world cyclocross titles. The Dutch superstar from Alpecin Deceuninck triumphs in Lievin, France, in the most anticipated showdown closing the world championship meeting. The race was over from the first lap, actually from halfway through the first circuit, with Van Der Poel attacking solo. A predictable, easy domination that Wout Van Aert unfortunately could not challenge due to a (questionable) regulation forcing him to start from the fortieth position. The highly anticipated clash between the two giants essentially did not happen because of scoring rules that determine athletes' starting positions.

Despite the handicap, Van Aert, with all his class, managed to climb positions and in just two laps brought himself to the head of the race, when Van Der Poel was already far ahead and heading towards his seventh world championship among the Elite. Victory for Van Der Poel, silver medal for Van Aert, bronze medal for Thibau Nys.

Many might be wondering how the world championship would have ended between VDP and Van Aert if they had started side by side? It would have been truly exciting! If it had gone that way. Too many rules and regulations when often common sense would suffice... .