Cross Roads’ Mat Cowen believes the huge expected crowd at the opening Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series meet in La Rochelle on Saturday will inspire him at what is one of the most daunting venues.

The French competition, which is the first of eight events held across the globe, features the 120-step, 27-metre Saint Nicolas Tower and the scariest platform in the whole contest.

It will look out on to tens of thousands of spectators who will flood La Rochelle’s historic harbour.

And Cowen, who is one of three newcomers after being a surprise qualifier earlier in the year, is relishing peforming on such a big stage.

He said: “There were 70,000 spectators there last year and they are expecting more this time. The crowd being so big actually takes the pressure off.

“If you are doing a high dive and no one is around, that can be a lot more of a lonely place.

“If there is 70,000 people shouting and screaming you on, that gives you a big boost.

“Having worked in diving and stunt shows across the world, it’s usually a good show when there is a big crowd there and they really get into it. That makes you want to perform well for them.”

Cowen will compete against the best high divers in the world, such as Gary Hunt and Orlando Duque.

He added: “To be honest, I don’t know what to expect. I’m just going to see how I find it.

“My preparation and training has gone really well and hopefully I’m peaking at just the right time.”