The Dutch rider has established an impressive reputation in cyclo-cross, clinching two world titles in the discipline.

The former junior road world champion has enjoyed impressive results on the surface in the past year, having won the Dutch National Championships and earning a silver medal at the European Championships in Glasgow.

He clinched success at Dwars door Vlaanderen after forming part of a five-man breakaway on the 182 kilometre one-day race in Belgium.

Van der Poel was key to establishing the winning move as he joined France’s Anthony Turgis and Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels in attacking with over 50 kilometres of the race remaining.

Austria’s Lukas Pöstlberger and Tiesj Benoot of Belgium completed the five-man group.

The leaders worked together to establish a lead of over one minute, which the chasing pack slowly reduced as the finish approached.

The peloton was unable to haul in the break prior to the line, with Van der Poel taking full advantage.

The Corendon-Circus rider proved too strong for his breakaway compatriots as he won the sprint finish to triumph in 4hrs, 5min and 54sec.

Turgis and Jungels completed the top three on the same time as the winner.

The peloton crossed the line 17 seconds adrift of the breakaway.

Attention will now turn to the Tour of Flanders, with the UCI WorldTour race scheduled to take place in Belgium on Sunday (April 7).

Niki Terpstra of The Netherlands is the defending champion.