Sven Nys reveals Thibau was “one more day of illness” away from missing out on Tour de France selection

Thibau Nys is set to line up for his first Tour de France today, but his place on the start list was far from guaranteed. His father, cyclocross legend Sven Nys, revealed that illness nearly derailed the Lidl-Trek rider’s selection.

“He came back from altitude training with a second place in Gippingen,” Sven told Sporza. “But the team’s final conclusion was after the Baloise Belgium Tour where he got sick.”

“One more day of illness might have had a different effect on that decision. There was one day of fever and that should definitely not last two days, otherwise it will lead to a longer recovery.”

Earlier this year, Thibau earned bronze at the cyclocross world championships, finishing behind Van der Poel and Van Aert. Now, the team has signaled its confidence in him by targeting certain stages that suit his strengths.

“The team has clearly stated that he will get chances in the puncher stages. In those stages, Theuns and Stuyven can be important to drop him off at the right moment. In the past, it has already been shown a few times that when he is really at his best, he can compete with the best in the world.”