Due to heavy storms, the organizers have decided to cancel the elite World Cup race in Koksijde, after both the junior and U23 races were called off earlier in the day.

The decision was taken because the wind blows violently in Koksijde and it's too dangerous for racing.

It was a decision which was not appreciated.  Rider Mathieu van der Poel said on Twitter that the decision was made too early. "About 4:30 until the start of the race. In my view, the decision was taken too early. They predict less wind this afternoon."

Wout van Aert can’t defend his leading position in the World Cup in Koksijde after the cancellation. "From a sporting point of view, I am sorry that we cannot ride, but it's the only right decision, it is too dangerous for racing." 

Since Friday, Van Aert has been in Koksijde to prepare optimally for the fourth World Cup of season.

"When I heard the news I was be disappointed at first. As a rider you want to race but of course I cannot estimate how violent it is to be on the course as I'm still in my hotel. I just called team leader Niels Albert who told me that it is really impossible to race. So the organizers are right that they focus on safety. It is not easy for them to make that decision, a courageous decision and the only right one, " the world champion tells Het Nieuwsblad.

So there will be no race for the leader of Crelan-Vastgoedservice. 

"That's weird, on a Sunday. The preparation was devoted to this competition and for that reason I skipped the GP Hasselt on Saturday. Now I have a weekend without cross. It is special. I'm going to try to go home as soon as possible. I hear that the storm was less severe in the Kempen. Maybe I can still train a bit, maybe on the rollers. We will see how I can organize the rest of the week after a weekend without competition.”

Van Aert will continue to train in his home country. Only after the Flandriencross in Hamme next Sunday will he go back for a training week in Spain with his team. "That is planned by the team. We will not change anything."