Belgian Mario de Clercq upset the form book with a runaway triumph in the Cyclo Cross World championships in Denmark yesterday.

De Clercq finished more than a minute clear of team-mate Erwin Vervecken after a solo ride of more than 18 kilometres in the 28.8km race - 30 years after his father Rene won the world amateur title.

As he passed the pits on the final lap, Rene slapped his son's outstretched hand in celebration.

De Clercq said: "Everything was on my side. The course was very fast which suited me, and I had a good team-mate in Vervecken. He told me to attack on the third lap, so I took the risk, and he worked to defend my advantage."

It was Belgium's second title of the weekend after Sven Nijs retained his under-23 crown on Saturday.

De Clercq set a punishing pace, never dropping below 27 k.p.h., as he left defending champion Daniele Pontoni to fight for the lesser medals.