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."
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.”
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.