The Dutchman proved the dominant cyclist in the International Cycling Union (UCI) Cyclo-Cross World Cup season, which he rounded off last weekend with a victory in Hoogerheide.

It meant European champion van der Poel ended the season with seven wins from nine events, while highlighting his clear form ahead of the World Championships.

The 23-year-old was crowned world champion back in 2015, but has missed out on gold for the past two years.

A mechanical problem derailed his chances of victory last year, with the Dutchman having to settle for silver behind Belgium's Wout Van Aert.

The duo are likely to go head-to-head again on a course similar to the one used during last year's World Cup circuit.

It has been tweaked since, with van der Poel's father Adri, a world champion in the discipline back in 1996, having designed the circuit.

Belgium's Sanne Cant will be the cyclist to beat in the women's event, as she seeks to defend the title she earned last year.

Cant won the overall World Cup for the fourth time in her career this season, following wins in five events.

The Czech Republic's Katerina Nash, The Netherlands' Maud Kaptheijns, Britain's Evie Richards and the United States' Katie Compton all earned one World Cup win apiece.

They will all hope to make an impact when women's elite race takes place tomorrow, along with junior and under-23 events providing the focus.

The men's elite race will be held on Sunday (February 4).