Thibau Nys reacts to superb win at GP Miguel Indurain ahead of Ardennes debut: “I dreamed about this last night"

Thibau Nys made a spectacular start to his 2025 road campaign, winning the GP Miguel Indurain with a devastating late attack reminiscent of the explosivity of the likes of Remco Evenepoel. After a brilliant winter that saw him take bronze at the Cyclocross World Championships, the Lidl–Trek rider waited until today to make his first road appearance of the season, and delivered in style.

“I dreamed about this last night,” Nys laughed in his post-race flash interview. “I knew I was in good shape, and that the race would suit me, with that last wall. I think that climb really suited me, but you never know how the body reacts to the first race. But when the final opened, I felt that my legs were very good. I knew that a good final was in it, but you never know what the competition will be like. But we went up the final climb, then I knew I was going to win.”

Nys was full of praise for the team’s execution, singling out Bauke Mollema’s presence in the front group as a key factor in allowing him to save energy for the finale.

“I think we did it perfectly. We were in the right position at the right time, I stayed calm and just stayed out of the wind in the beginning. In the final it went fantastic, with Bauke in the leading group so we didn't have to do anything. On the last climb it was full throttle, and I could do my thing. I knew that if you reach the top with a five-second lead, you win the race.”

The win wasn’t a surprise to Nys, who had seen all the right signs in training.

“I knew I had done what I had to do in the preparation: I checked all the boxes and received many positive signals. I really feel like I have made a step, and if I then arrive at these kinds of finishes with good legs, I knew I could be close. Then it is a matter of waiting to see how the legs and the body react, but it turned out to be positive.”

The 22-year-old is set to make his debut in the Ardennes Classics later this month, and Saturday’s performance has already elevated him into the conversation among the favourites.

“It means a lot. It means that I'm on the right track, although I think I can still find a few more percentage points in the Tour of the Basque Country to be really super for the Ardennes classics. But I'm very happy with where I am. It's nice to win right away, that gives a boost to my self-confidence.”