Amazement surrounding nerve-racking cyclo-cross races: "Unbelievable, it's a joy to watch"

The massive traffic jam in Merksplas was a sign of things to come, as was Niels Vandeputte's surprising victory in Hamme on Sunday. The cyclo-cross scene is becoming more equal, and more and more people are starting to enjoy it. The analysts from Sporza also shed their light on the past weeks. It is remarkable: there are more and more contenders competing for victory.

We often saw different winners in the X2O, the Superprestige, and the Exact Crosses. It pleases Ruben Van Gucht and Paul Herygers. "I had indeed noticed it. And it brings a nice new dynamic. I haven't been bored for a moment this season. Many can feel there is a chance; many dare to cross. Unbelievable, it's a joy to watch."

Read more below the photo.

Laurens Sweeck also showed he hasn't forgotten about winning

Van Aert, Nys and Van der Poel often "destroyed" races

The dominance we frequently saw, especially from Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, isn't there. "Also, last year, we had a lot of winners in the end, but the tension in all races is high now. In almost every race, we dive into the final with a handful of leaders, and in the final lap, you hardly ever know who will win. And that has often been different in recent years," Van Gucht continued.

"We have often enjoyed men like Nys, Van Aert, or Van der Poel, who dominated. But they often destroyed the race. After two laps, they were already far ahead of the rest; now, every race remains unpredictable." Many new, young guys joined when Van Aert and Van der Poel were not competing yet, and therein lies the crux, according to Herygers. "Those young wolves are hungry and eager. And now that they have physically reached the right age, they want to become the new kings of cyclo-cross. And that trend will probably continue. These young guys will only improve. The future looks bright again for cyclo-cross, which is still booming."

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Ronhaar makes promise now that Nys and Van der Haar have done enough: "Bad weather is coming..."

Thibau Nys reassures cyclo-cross fans after "huge crash" and battered body in Hamme: "I got catapulted"

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