The Dutch rider triumphed at the fourth leg of the series at Tabor in the Czech Republic, before topping the standings in the in the first of three events in Belgium in Koksijde.

Van der Poel, the reigning world and European champion, has won three of the past four races held at the course in Namur.

He will expect to face strong competition from the Belgian team led by World Cup leader Eli Iserbyt.

Iserbyt won the opening three races of the season, with van der Poel then taking over by winning the next two events.

Belgium’s Toon Aerts will also expect to contend for the race victory.

Czech Republic’s Kateřina Nash will hope to extend her lead at the top of the women’s World Cup standings.

Nash has triumphed twice at the Belgian race, topping the podium in both 2014 and 2016.

Last year’s winner Lucinda Brand of The Netherlands is among the starters expecting to rival Nash.

Brand’s compatriot Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado will hope for further success after claiming a maiden World Cup win last month.

Men’s under-23 and junior races will also take place tomorrow, while the women’s under-23 field will compete in the same race as the elite riders.

Following tomorrow’s competition the final Belgian race of the season is scheduled to be held in Heusden-Zolder next Thursday (December 26).