The story of the 2017/18 season thus far has been the dominance of Mathieu van der Poel. Aboard his new Canyon Inflite and facing a GP Sven Nys course full of mud, Van der Poel got right to work continuing his supremacy into 2018.
The traditional confetti stood out against the mud. 2018 GP Sven Nys Baal. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Van der Poel got a challenge from Wout Van Aert (Crelan-Charles) before dispatching the defending World Champion. The win was Van der Poel's 22nd of the season.
Wout van Aert led his rival Van der Pole before the Dutchman pulled ahead for good. 2018 GP Sven Nys Baal. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Van der Poel and his teammates also debuted under the new banner of Corendon-Circus. Not much changed with Van der Poel's European Champion jersey, but teammate Tom Meeusen was seen sporting the new team kit. At least, if you can see through the mud, there is a new kit down there.
Tom Meeusen focuses on the muddy path in front of him. 2018 GP Sven Nys Baal. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
The team formerly known as Marlux - Napoleon Games debuted a new title sponsor under the Marlux-Bingoal name.
Photographer Bart Hazen put on his mud boots and hit the Sven Nys Cycling Center in Baal. He provided this photo gallery of the action from the Men's race.
Bart Hazen Photo Gallery: 2018 GP Sven Nys in Baal
Rainbow stripes armbands were among the few distinguishing marks on the two leaders thanks to the mud. 2018 GP Sven Nys Baal. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
