Thibau Nys, the European and Belgian cyclo-cross champion, has announced he will not compete in the upcoming World Cup race in Maasmechelen this Saturday. The Baloise Trek Lions rider, who had been in stellar form, is withdrawing due to health concerns. Nys has been battling illness over the past few days, prompting him to prioritize recovery as the World Championships in Liévin loom on the horizon next week. According to Sporza, the young Belgian hopes that skipping the race will allow him the best chance to recover in time for the bigger event.
Nys had recently been in remarkable shape, evident in his dominating performance at the World Cup race in Benidorm, Spain, where he clinched victory with an explosive acceleration. His performance not only earned him a crucial World Cup win but also demonstrated his potential as one of the top contenders for the upcoming World Championships. Furthermore, Nys had also secured the Belgian cyclo-cross title in December, showcasing his consistency and talent.
Nys’s recent results put him among the favorites for the World Championships, but the sudden onset of illness has now disrupted his preparation. After taking the decision to pull out of Maasmechelen, the question remains whether Nys will be fit enough to participate in Liévin. His team, Baloise Trek Lions, will monitor his recovery closely and make a decision closer to the event.
Reflecting on his recent success in Benidorm, Nys expressed how everything seemed to fall into place for him. “Finally, everything is starting to kind of fall into place—I had the right legs at the right time. That’s amazing,” he said after the race. His victory over seasoned rivals, including Wout van Aert, was a sign of his peak form, especially considering the tough race dynamics that unfolded. Nys capitalized on van Aert’s poor start and maintained the pace in the lead group, making his decisive move in the finale.
For Nys, the Maasmechelen World Cup was supposed to be the final test before the World Championships. Unfortunately, that opportunity has slipped away. Despite this setback, Nys is still regarded as a key favorite for the World Championships. However, he remains modest about his chances. “Me? No, no. Not at all,” he humbly remarked when asked if he considered himself a top contender.
While Nys is one of the main hopes for Belgium, he faces stiff competition in Liévin. His teammate Wout van Aert will not race, leaving a gap in the team. Alongside Nys, other riders such as Toon Aerts, Eli Iserbyt, Laurens Sweeck, and others will represent Belgium at the World Championships. All eyes will be on Nys, who, despite his recent illness, remains one of the most exciting talents in cyclo-cross today.
