Thibau Nys preparing clear goals at Tour de l'Ain - "Tour de l'Avenir is a big goal"

Thibau Nys is a widely aknowledged talent in the pro peloton and many eyes were on the Belgian as he raced for the first time in Trek - Segafredo colours at the French Tour de l'Ain which is having the peloton ride along the Jura mountains of France this week.

"Thibau was a bit nervous. It is the 1st time that he rides with another team and comes into contact with new teammates. And that at a high level," Sven Nys told Sporza after the opening stage of the Tour de l'Ain, regarding his son Thibaut who made his debut at World Tour level this week in France. "We can speak of a successful start".

"You can make it difficult for yourself if you come in arrogantly in a new team. But Thibau is not like that. He puts himself at the service of the team and is open in his communication. 2 things that are very much appreciated," he detailed.

The three-day race is serving as preparation for the Tour de l'Avenir - otherwise known as the under-23 Tour de France. A classics rider with a strong sprint, it will be a big opportunity for him to show his talent and hunt big wins alongside the rest of the under-23 field, something he will not be doing from 2023 onwards on the road.

"That has to do with the Tour de l'Avenir later this month and the preparation for the cross season," he added. "That was also agreed in advance with Trek-Segafredo. The goal in the Tour de l'Ain is also that Thibau already comes into contact with his future teammates. For example, by next year, when he turns pro, he will already be established and feel more comfortable with Trek-Segafredo."

With a two year contract on the table, Nys is one of the most promising classics riders in development. Grown in the very highest ranks of pro cycling, the 19-year old is a proven winner in Cyclocross, and is transferring that prowess over to the road where in the coming years he'll be hoping to have an important role within the American team. "The Tour de l'Avenir is a big goal for Thibau. It will be the only time he can ride at a high level for 10 days against his peers," he concluded.