The Belgian had enough of an advantage in the World Cup standings to only need a second-place finish to win the overall title. 

He went one step further and topped the podium, crossing the line in 1 hour 05min 57sec.

The three-time world champion now has three World Cup titles to his name. 

Van Aert's nearest opponent in the standings was Dutch rival Mathieu van der Poel, who suffered a puncture and crash in today's race but still managed to finish second in 1:07:00.  

Britain's Tom Pidcock bested Michael Vanthourenhout of Belgium to third place with a time of 1:08:04. 

While Van Aert topped the overall standings, Van der Poel was second and Vanthourenhout third. 

Lucinda Brand of The Netherlands had already secured the women's title at the World Cup event in Hulst earlier this month. 

She finished second in 50:08 in today's race, trailing compatriot and world champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in 49:48. 

Manon Bakker was just behind Brand in 50:09 to complete an all-Dutch podium.   

It was also an all-Dutch top three in the final World Cup standings, with Brand leading, Alvarado second and Denise Betsema third. 

Competitors are now set to remain in Belgium for the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships, scheduled to take place in Ostend on January 30 and 31.