Van Der Poel's absence truly opened up new scenarios, transforming the eighth round of the Elite World Cup in Dendermonde (Belgium) into a much more tactical and hard-fought race than usual. In the end, Belgian champion Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) prevailed in a sprint over Del Grosso and World Cup leader Sweeks. Van Aert finished only sixth after a performance where the Visma Lease a Bike rider never managed to make a difference at the decisive moments.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. NYS Thibau (BALOISE GLOWI LIONS) 1:01:29

2. DEL GROSSO Tibor (ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK) +2

3. SWEECK Laurens (CRELAN-CORENDON) +5

4. VERSTRYNGE Emiel (CRELAN-CORENDON) +6

5. VANDEPUTTE Niels (ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK DEVELOPMENT TEAM) +8

6. VAN AERT Wout (TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE) +8

7. VANTHOURENHOUT Michael (PAUWELS SAUZEN - ALTEZ INDUSTRIEBOUW CYCLING TEAM) +12

8. ORTS LLORET Felipe (RIDLEY RACING TEAM) +15

9. HENDRIKX Mees (HEIZOMAT - CUBE) +25

10. AERTS Toon (DESCHACHT-HENS CX TEAM) +34

11. MICHELS Jente (ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK DEVELOPMENT TEAM) +37

12. WYSEURE Joran (CRELAN-CORENDON) +46

13. KUHN Kevin (HEIZOMAT - CUBE) +53

14. KAMP Ryan +1:05

15. GROSLAMBERT Martin (SEBMOTOBIKES CX TEAM) +1:09

16. KUYPERS Gerben (CHARLES LIÉGEOIS ROASTERY CX) +1:30

17. VAN DER HAAR Lars (BALOISE GLOWI LIONS) +1:37

18. MENUT David (AS BIKE RACING / FRANCE LITERIE) +1:46

19. LELANDAIS Rémi (ARKEA-B&B HOTELS CONTINENTALE) +2:00

20. MASON Cameron (SEVEN RACING) +2:04