Cyclocross legend Sven Nys discusses his son’s European title: “We know what we have to do”

Sven Nys, the cyclocross legend and proud father, would have been overjoyed to see his son, Thibau Nys, claim victory at the European Cyclocross Championships last weekend. Thibau, who rides for his father's team, Baloise Trek Lions, has demonstrated his potential on both the road and in cyclocross, solidifying his reputation with this significant win.

Sven Nys spoke to In de Leiderstrui about Thibau’s impressive performance and the journey leading up to it. “Of course, we have seen what he is capable of in the past months on the road and in cyclo-cross. However, the preparation was disrupted by the illness, so we had to wait and see whether the puzzle would fall into place in time. He has shown that he knows which path to take to get the most out of it."

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Despite the disrupted preparation, Sven highlighted how Thibau managed to deliver under pressure. “It was all uncertain, but in cyclo-cross we quickly saw that it was going as it should. Thibau is someone who performs very well under pressure and that has been confirmed once again. The first time at a championship with the elite and it was of a different order.”

The former cyclocross world champion emphasised not only the physical aspects of Thibau's success but also his mental strength. “We know very well what we have to do, when it comes to training, eating and sleeping. But the impact around that, where the good and bad things are magnified, also has an influence on his performances. That is why it is not only physically very good what he is doing now, but also that he deals with it mentally. That is not always obvious, I really admire that.”

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Sven Nys, who was crowned cyclocross world champion in 2005 and 2013, knows first hand the demands and pressures of the sport. Seeing Thibau’s achievements must be especially rewarding, as he continues the family legacy with poise and determination.