“In every stage race I started this year, I won a stage and wore the leader's jersey" - Thibau Nys continues blistering start to 2024 with stage win in Norway

2024 looks like being the real breakthrough season in terms of road racing for multi-discipline star Thibau Nys. Taking his fifth win of the year already, the Lidl-Trek star powered to victory on the summit finish of stage 1 at the Tour of Norway.

“It's a dream,” the 21-year-old Belgian reflected with delight in his post-stage interview with VTM. “In every stage race I started this year, I won a stage and wore the leader's jersey. I am aware that I have to pause and enjoy this. I also gave Mathias Vacek the victory, because he has done a lot for me in recent weeks.”

The impressive leadout of Vacek was key in securing this latest success for Nys, with the Czech National Champion powering his lead clear in the final few hundred metres, giving the talented youngster clear daylight when he launched his sprint. By the time he crossed the line, Nys had a 4-second gap over second placed Adne Holter and with time bonuses added, the Belgian now has himself an 8-second lead in the general classification.

“Tomorrow it might be a little too difficult for me, but I didn't expect to win a mountain stage in Hungary either," continues Nys, referring to his recent general classification victory at the Tour de Hongrie, a race in which he also took a pair of stage wins. "I will certainly try and then we will see where the ship ends up. They will certainly not take today's victory away from me.”