Paul Herygers expects cyclocross audience to increase significantly from this weekend onwards: "Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pidcock are going to completely turn the cyclocross world upside down"

The cyclocross season is currently changing. The biggest stars of the sport are coming along to the mud and this weekend we will have the debut of Mathieu van der Poel - and his new rainbow jersey - and Tom Pidcock. This is set to boost the audiences both on site and on TV significantly, alongside Wout van Aert's return.

“I have been competing in cross-country for many years, and when you see how the fans look up to him… That's almost a demigod, isn't it? People are still crazy about Wout," Herygers told Wielerflits. "That starts with little guests, and parents are happy to go along with it. Those little men want to see Van Aert, want to meet Van der Poel. So if conditions improve, I won't worry much.” This came about as a discussion on the audience at the race in Essen this Saturday, where despite the miserable weather about 3000 spectators came along to watch the races.

However many more are expected over the next few weeks in the upcoming races. Both Herentals and Namur this coming weekend are very popular races, but in the following week the Christmas block begins and more people will have the availability to travel to the events. Alongside all the three main stars being present in virtually all races, this is set to boost those interested in the racing. “Don't doubt it. I'm confident that we will have a Christmas period with many fans," the analyst believes.

"Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pidcock are going to completely turn the cyclocross world upside down. When the three of them are together again, I expect that they will be queuing at the entrance counter for the first time.”