"It will be a very difficult task" - Sand could come in the way of Thibau Nys' European cyclocross title defense

The Cyclocross European Championships will take place this weekend in Middelkerke, Belgium, and it will be a track that is somewhat different than the regular. In a sandy course, defending champion Thibau Nys certainly won't be the man to beat as was the case last year in Pontevedra. He discusses his chances ahead of the race.

"Technically, I wasn't 100 percent yet, but fitness-wise, I could make the difference. On the Koppenberg, I tried to ride up as quickly as possible every lap," Nys told In de Leiderstrui. "I'll have to train in the sand for a week now"

That should prove to be a challenge, and not one in his favour, as Nys admits: "My sand skills aren't that great, so even with this form, it will be a very difficult task to reclaim the European title. It's a cyclocross where I still have a lot to prove. We'll see; I'm definitely going for it."

"But, mind you: I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm certain it is," the Belgian insists. "I've been a champion in the sand three times as a youth, but there are also days when my handlebars turn and I crash. I've rarely ridden a good sand cyclocross in the elite ranks. Yes, in Zonhoven, but you can't really call that a real sand cyclocross."

This opens up the competition even further. A few riders specialize in the sand, but it is a type of track where incidents and mishaps can occur more often, whilst technical skills and running speed can also be deeply influential in the outcome of the race.

"I don't know: sometimes it goes well, but in cyclocross it rarely happens. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the sand. I've cursed it regularly. Physically, I'll be at my best, but it's still a very difficult task. Even if I'm 5 percent better than on the Koppenberg," the defending champion adds.

"And I might as well not even be on the podium," Nys says, likely trying to purposefully lower expectations on himself, hence lower the pressure from the Belgian media who will keep an eye on his every move.

"With fitness, you can still make some adjustments in the sand, and I know I'll be in top shape, but if you make two or three mistakes in the sand, you'll still be playing catch-up and blow your engine. I'm not saying it's impossible at the European Championships, but I'll have to push myself to win."