Belgian national cyclocross champion Wout van Aert says that rival and world champion Mathieu Van der Poel will be fighting for the rainbow jersey at next weekend's UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Oostende Van der Poel is expected to fight for the rainbow jersey.

Van Aert suffered his third loss of the season to the Dutchman in Sunday's final World Cup race in Ouvélaise.

Van der Pol, however, was 20 seconds back from a puncture before a late-race crash allowed Van Aert to escape.

The day before, Van der Pol had taken his ninth win of the season at Flandriencross in Hamm by just seven seconds over Van Aert.

Despite beating his rival on the technical course at Overijse in their last showdown before the World Championships, Van Aert said his rival was favored to take the rainbow jersey for the fourth time and his third crown.

Asked if Mathieu van der Pol was a better candidate for the world championship title than he was, Van Aert replied, "I think so."

"Just because I won today [in Ouvélaise] doesn't change that. For me, this win is really good and it's a positive for me mentally for next week."

"He (Mathieu) has shown in previous weeks that he is a winner.

Oostende's course is a mix of tough sand sections along the beach and large flyovers leading to undulating grass sections.

"It's a completely different course, but still a one-hour race," Van Aert told the TV cameras.

"Me and Mathieu were the favorites to win on every course and it will be the same next week."

Van der Pol, meanwhile, expects a battle for the rainbow jersey with Jumbo-Visma riders.

When asked who is his favorite to win the World Championships, van der Pol replied: 'Of course, it's hard to say.'

"I think Wout and I are the two big favourites. I think today [in Ouvélaise] we have reaffirmed how good we both are and how well we are doing."

"I think we're going to be in good shape."

"I think we're going to be in good shape.

"I think next week will be a very good race.