Wout Van Aert, who finished a lousy fourth in the elite men's race at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Switzerland, has vowed to come back and win cyclocross races.

The 25-year-old, who won world titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018, had only recently returned to competition after being seriously injured in a crash during the Tour de France last July.

The long recovery period curtailed his cyclocross season, with only five races completed before Sunday's world championships, which were won by Dutch rival Mathieu van der Pol.

After battling for medals on the tough Dubendorf circuit, Van Aert dropped out of contention for the win in the closing stages, finishing in fourth place, more than two minutes behind the winner.

"I didn't come here to win this race," Van Aert said.

"It was obviously too early to win and I knew that before I came here. I think I belonged here and I enjoyed competing in this world championship."

Van Aert was selected for the Belgian national team due to injuries and a shorter than usual cyclo-cross season, and the three-time world champion was ready to offer his services and experience to teammate Toon Artz.

Van der Pol pulled away from his rivals on the first lap, with Great Britain's Tom Pidcock taking silver ahead of third-placed Belgian duo Aerts and fourth-placed Van Aerts.

"In the end I was fourth. If only the riders who think they can win start here, there won't be many riders on the start line," Van Aert said.

"Certainly, it's always been my goal to be in cyclocross and I'll be back next year to win races. Cyclocross is a hard sport and there's no place to hide."

"I've been racing cyclocross for a while now, and I'm looking forward to it.

After last season's success, VanArt also has road ambitions this season with his Jumbo-Visma team.

When asked how he is preparing for the road season, he replied: "Well, slowly but well."