Cyclocross world champion surprises favourites to win Belgium Tour prologue

Wout van Aert goes into the lead of the Belgium Tour having beaten favourite Tony Martin in the opening prologue

Wout van Aert (Bel) celebrates his win in the Elite Men's category (Watson)

(Image credit: Watson)

Cyclocross world champion Wout van Aert provided a shock in the prologue of the Belgium Tour by beating favourite Tony Martin to the stage win by two hundredths of a second.

Van Aert, riding for Continental team Crelan-Vastgoedservice, completed the six kilometre course in 6-52, beating Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) and Reto Hollenstein (IAM Cycling) to the win.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.