In the absence of world champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who eventually dropped out due to painful ribs, Iserbyt was the strongest for Pim Ronhaar on and around the Balenberg. In the sixth and penultimate lap, Iserbyt rode away from the Dutchman and Emiel Verstrynge, his fellow leaders, and then systematically widened the gap on the difficult mud course. At the finish he had a 25 second lead over Ronhaar, Verstrynge came third at 34 seconds.
For Iserbyt it is his second victory in Baal, after winning in 2023.
The sixth of eight heats is scheduled for Friday with the Flemish Duinencross in Koksijde.