Belgium's Sanne Cant won the women’s event at the fourth round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Bogense ©Cross Denmark/Facebook

Reigning European champions Mathieu van der Poel and Sanne Cant won the respective men’s and women’s events at the fourth round of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Cyclo-cross World Cup in Bogense.

Dutchman Van der Poel finished eight seconds ahead of nearest challenger Wout van Aert of Belgium on a muddy track with steep, short hills.

The victory in the Danish town was his fourth in a row on the World Cup circuit.

"It was a bit of a pity that all the descent sections were running now," Van der Poel was reported as saying by VeloNews.

"I prefer to ride it but I think the safest and the fastest option was to run today."

Following world champion Van Aert in the standings was compatriot Toon Aerts, who ended up a further second back.

Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel continued his fine recent form by winning the men's race ©Cross Denmark/Facebook
Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel continued his fine recent form by winning the men's race ©Cross Denmark/Facebook

In the women’s event, Cant survived a dropped chain on the final lap to come out on top.

The Belgian held off Great Britain’s Helen Wyman to win her second World Cup of the season.

Completing the top three was the United States’ Kaitlin Keough.

Bogense was awarded the 2019 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships in January of this year. 

The world governing body confirmed it will stage the event from February 2 to 3.

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is due to continue in German town Zeven on November 25.