“I suffered the consequences of that fall for a long time” - Thibau Nys unsure of Tour de France role alongside Jonathan Milan after training crash

Thibau Nys is not where he hoped to be heading into the summer. With Lidl-Trek yet to confirm its squad for the 2025 Tour de France, which begins on 5 July, the Belgian’s place is far from guaranteed.

A crash at the end of May, during a descent at Lidl-Trek’s altitude camp in Sierra Nevada, disrupted what should have been a crucial training block. “I suffered the consequences of that fall for a long time. That was a really nasty fall, which had a serious impact on the weeks that followed,” he told Wielerflits.

“In the end, I came back from the training camp quite okay. Not better than I had hoped, because I didn't really feel great. In the meantime, I think I have fully recovered. The fall doesn't bother me anymore. The only thing I could still lack are a few last physical percentages. The GP Gippingen was already a positive test, and I hope to continue that line in the Baloise Belgium Tour.”

He sees the upcoming race as an opportunity to test himself across various terrains. “I want to see for the first time whether I can go for a general classification. And the Ardennes stage to Durbuy should also suit me.”

One key challenge will be the time trial, where he’ll face the likes of Filippo Ganna. “That is why I have worked on it extra. My time trial is not yet perfect, but I have paid more attention to it than I normally would. I hope that the work is already paying off a little, but I really cannot estimate the possible loss of time. Staying within thirty seconds would be great.”

Even with improving form, selection for the Tour is not yet certain. “I am not yet completely sure of a selection. I have to stay healthy, prove myself this week and then we can see where I am. If I can really grow to my best level, then I think I definitely deserve my place there. But that remains to be seen.”

Lidl-Trek’s Tour squad is already taking shape around sprinter Jonathan Milan, with Mads Pedersen not taking part this year. Asked what role he might play, Nys was realistic. “I think the lead-out is already completely set and that I don't have my place there. Which I don't mind, because there are a lot of experienced guys who can bring that to a good end. We have them in the team too. My role will be in the slightly more difficult stages.”