Double European champion Lars Van Der Haar won the men's race at the second round of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup season in Maasmechelen ©Getty Images

There was a double triumph for riders from the Netherlands at the second round of the International Cycling Union Cyclo-Cross World Cup season at Maasmechelen in Belgium.

In the men’s elite race victory went to double European champion Lars Van Der Haar in 1hour 2min 43sec.

It was a first Cyclo-Cross World Cup win in two years for Van Der Haar, who attacked early on before maintaining his advantage until the finish line.

Belgian riders completed the podium on home turf, with second place going to Eli Iserbyt in 1:03.04 after a race which saw him collide with wooden posts.

Third place went to fellow Belgian Laurens Sweeck in 1:03.10, while compatriot Thibau Nys, the World Cup series leader going into the race, finished seventh after a crash on the final lap.

A mud-splattered Fem Van Empel celebrates winning her fifth successive race of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup season ©Getty Images
A mud-splattered Fem Van Empel celebrates winning her fifth successive race of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup season ©Getty Images

There was more Dutch success in the women’s race, as reigning world cyclo-cross champion Fem Van Empel took victory in 51min 46sec.

World champion Van Empel controlled the race from start to finish, with her latest victory giving her a fifth win from as many races this season.

Dutch riders swept the podium, with second place going to Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado in 53:14, despite a second lap crash that ended her realistic hopes of a win.

Third place went to Aniek Van Alphen in 53:28, who secured her first ever elite World Cup podium in the process.

The Cyclo-Cross World Cup circuit continues on November 12 with the next round taking place at Dendermonde in Belgium.