“I think the shape is pretty okay, but I just couldn’t show it this week”: Thibau Nys shrugs off a quiet Tour de Suisse as he builds back from knee surgery

Thibau Nys endured a frustrating Tour de Suisse, failing to make an impact on the stages that had been marked as his main opportunities (stages 1 and 2). The 23-year-old Lidl-Trek rider admitted the race fell short of his expectations, but insisted there is no reason for concern as he continues his comeback from knee surgery. After returning with a promising fourth place at the GP Gippingen, Nys had hoped to build on that performance in Switzerland, only to struggle during a week marked by extreme temperatures.

Nys acknowledged that his week in Switzerland could not be considered a success. “It was certainly not successful,” he said in words before the final stage. “It was much less than I expected, there’s nothing wrong with admitting that.”

The Belgian was never able to feature prominently on the parcours that appeared best suited to his characteristics. Even his individual time trial in Aarburg was approached conservatively, with nothing at stake in the general classification.

“It was the first time I’d been on the time trial bike since the Tour, so it hurt anyway,” Nys explained. “There was also little point in completely emptying myself because it wouldn’t have changed anything.”

According to Nys, the unusually high temperatures played a significant role in his difficulties. “Definitely, and I wasn’t the only one,” he said. “I did all my preparation in Belgium, so this was my first time racing in the heat. That’s not easy. I also haven’t done a lot of specific heat training.”

The Belgian explained that his preparation had already been heavily focused on other priorities. “My schedule was already pretty full: riding, focusing on the knee, strength training…”

Despite the disappointing results, Nys remains optimistic about his condition and believes the race will benefit him in the long term.

“You have to keep things in perspective,” he said. “I enjoyed myself this week and I’m just trying to become better from it. I’ve gained some race hardness and that will definitely help me. I know I just need to give it time and trust that things will come together.”

Nys hopes to show improved form at next weekend’s Belgian National Championships before shifting his focus toward the second half of the season. July will be devoted entirely to training, including a 23-day camp in Mallorca as he prepares for a likely debut at the Vuelta a España and potentially the Clásica San Sebastián.

“I’m going to Mallorca for 23 days to find the mountains and the heat, hoping to come back really strong,” he said. “That has worked very well for me before, and I’m hoping for the same effect again.”

The camp will combine endurance and intensity work as Nys looks to take another step forward. “Everything will be included to add another layer,” he concluded. “I still think the shape is pretty good, but I just couldn’t show it this week.”