Paul Herygers on Mathieu van der Poel's performance in Antwerp - "I see a Van der Poel riding against the limits. He will still improve a bit"

Mathieu van der Poel's win and Wout van Aert's performance were highlights of the CX World Cup Antwerp. Paul Herygers and Renaat Schotte analyised the race and provided answer to questions.

Wout van Aert was enjoying his off-season so it was a unexpected to see him finish with a silver. “How long has it been since Van Aert was watching the whales and seals in Australia after the World Cup on the road. 2 months later, Van Aert is immediately expected to compete at the highest level, while cyclocross should be a bit of entertainment and relaxation for him now. Towards the World Cup, that will be a bit different," said Herygers.

Herygers believes van der Poel already found his rhythm whereas it was van Aert’s first race so the difference was expected. He expects Van Aert will surpass van der Poel by the end of the month. "I think it's a sky-high difference if, like Van der Poel, you've already had a taste of your first cross last weekend. If the course is a bit more lucky and the weather gods are a bit more favourable, it won't be long before Van Aert and Van der Poel will meet in the final.They are matched and have the same qualities. Sometimes it is said that Van der Poel can cross better than Van Aert. But if it's a dirty blubbering race, Van Aert will be there," explained Herygers.

Schotte himself was suprised with Van der Poel’s performance despite his injury. “I think it is abundantly clear that they have done everything in his entourage to make Van der Poel an optimal rider and cyclist again. He will have fought and worked tremendously for that," said Schotte. Herygers is excited to see van der Poel and Van Aert compete in World Championship in February. “I think everyone wishes Van der Poel to be there again. He's had misery enough already.I see a Van der Poel riding around who is already against the limits. He will still improve a bit. But it's still more than 60 days until the World Cup. That's still a long time," concluded Herygers.