Wout van Aert welcomes Zdenek Stybar and Lars Boom who both plan to do a few cyclo-cross races this winter. The 21-year old Belgian has dominated the cross season and it has become slightly monotonous. "It's a wonderful thing for cross," Van Aert told Het Nieuwsblad. "I wonder whether they can once again reach that high level. Especially Boom, it's already a long time since he last raced."

With a possible comeback of Stybar, Boom and world champion Mathieu van der Poel, the level will be raised. "If Mathieu then also comes back, cyclo-cross will again be really exciting," Van Aert said."It's nice because I always want to ride against opponents of the highest possible level. Whether Stybar and Boom can also ride the World Championships in Zolder? What an odd question. Of course! Everyone can choose his own program and preparation. I don't want to tell them anything.

Yesterday Boom's manager Rik van Dongen made it clear that the Astana rider considers a number of races this winter. Boom has purchased forty cross tires from specialist Dugast. Reportedly, the former world champion awaits approval from his Astana team.