Thibau Nys opened his cyclocross victory count in the Superprestige Druivencross Overijse on Sunday. The Baloise - Trek Lions rider didn't kick off the cross season ideally, but as it turns out - that was all according to a plan which should prevent a burn out similar to what we witnessed last winter. The Belgian still hopes to keep few watts in the store in future crosses to spread out his performances more evenly this year.
"This victory gives me confidence that I can continue this, but it is of course no guarantee of victory for the next two or three races," says Nys in an interview with WielerFlits. "It is the guarantee that it is back in me. But now we just have to approach the next two or three weeks very sensibly. We have to keep the freshness, but also keep doing the kilometers."
"That was actually what I lacked last year. After that trip to America, the Koppenbergcross and the European Championships I lost my entire base, which caused me to quickly drop a few levels. Now it's a matter of keeping that balance. Then I hope I can look forward to a nice winter."
This week Nys will be at the start of both the Koppenbergcross (Friday) and the European Championships in Pontevedra (Sunday). How important is the latter cross for him? "That was a goal, but then it seemed like too short notice, and now it suddenly seems possible again. I am not thinking about it yet. There are a few guys who are not starting at the Koppenberg in order to be good at the EC, because that cross will get to them anyway."
"But I am now especially happy with my first victory in the Superprestige. Here in Overijse, in a cross that means a lot to me, with incredible fans. This is a day I will never forget. Now it is on to the Koppenberg. For me that is one of the most important appointments of the year. Maybe even more important than that EC."