Van der Poel rode clear in opening minute of the race to defend rainbow jersey, Pidcock took second, Aerts third.

Men's race is van der Poel's to lose, Cant will look to defend against dominant Dutch team. Americans Munro and Gunsalus go into first-ever women's junior race with strong chances.

Frozen temperatures, heavy rain, and an extremely difficult course combine to make Namur World Cup race one of crashes, abandons, and epic racing.

20-year-old multi-discipline star forgoes a shot at the WorldTour in 2020 in favor of challenging for 'cross worlds while also racing road, gravel and mountain bike.