"He truly has everything it takes to build a great career" - Sven Nys praises son Thibau as 'more talented than me in many things'

Following in the footsteps of an ultra-successful family member can be seen as both a blessing and a curse for various reasons. Thibau Nys has so far acquitted himself well, as he attempts to escape the shadow of his father Sven Nys, who has nothing but praise for his son.

"He is more talented than me in many things," the legendary Belgian cyclocross star says in conversation with RTBF, full to the brim with pride. "He is more explosive and is also stronger than me on the road. He truly has everything it takes to build a great career."

Read also

"Physically I just can't do it anymore" - Exhausted Thibau Nys to take rest from cyclocross

Now a winner in his own right, Thibau Nys has triumphed at the UCI World Cup and in the X2O Trofee already this season. With Sven Nys also part of his mentoring team at Baloise - Trek Lions, are there still some pieces of fatherly advice he hands out?

"He doesn't always listen to me, but it's normal," Nys senior admits. "Sometimes he says 'no, no, no, I want to do it my way'. I think it's good, he has his character, his philosophy and if he has any questions, he knows he can always come to me."

Read also

"Thibau must get off the bike and lie in the sun" - Paul Van Den Bosch on Thibau Nys' form drop-off