"It will be fifty percent training and fifty percent rest" - Thibau Nys doesn't give in to mysterious back pain

Thibau Nys is not at all concerned about the recent downturn he experienced in cyclocross over the past few weeks. Following a disappointing race in Flamanville, the young Belgian headed to Calpe, Spain, to join Lidl-Trek's first team camp. In an interview with IDLProCycling, he explains how he plans to address his back problems.

"I am very happy to be here. This might be my salvation, to steer my cyclocross season back in the right direction a little bit," Nys began in good spirits when asked about his current state. "The pain in the back can be fatigue, it can come from the buttock, or just a lesser day when you are pushing more. The muscles in my back just gave up somewhat," he explains.

Initially, it was suggested by Baloise Trek Lions that Nys should perhaps take a few weeks off. In the end, that option was not chosen. "My cyclocross season would run until the World Championships in Tabor anyway, so it would be foolish to take a break and only do two or three races leading up to the World Championships. You won't regain your form, and it won't help straighten things out."  

"I'm going to pay attention to it, but cautiously," he concluded. "It will be fifty percent training and fifty percent rest. It's a process, and I can't pinpoint the cause. Was it too much: the road and then cyclocross? Personally, I don't think so. Perhaps a lack of training quality? After America, I couldn't train much, especially with many cyclocross races in quick succession afterward. It could be anything, and maybe in a few months or next year, we will figure out what we could have done differently. I'm confident this approach will benefit me."