“It’s been a very busy Christmas period” – Thibau Nys cites fatigue as he’s distanced by Van der Poel and Verstrynge at father’s GP Sven Nys

Third place at the GP Sven Nys Baal came down to restraint for Thibau Nys, who opted against following the early pace set by Mathieu van der Poel and Emiel Verstrynge on the Balenberg.

“During reconnaissance, I felt terrible,” Nys admitted afterwards in quotes collected by Sporza from a post-race interview. “I chose to do my own thing. Mathieu and Emiel rode away strongly. I felt that I might have blown up if I had followed them.”

That decision shaped Nys’ race. While the front duo quickly established separation, the Belgian champion settled into a controlled rhythm behind, resisting the temptation to chase a pace he knew he could not sustain on the day.

By the time he crossed the finishing line, Nys was still on the podium in third, but more than a minute down on Van der Poel (+1:16) and 39 seconds behind his compatriot Verstrynge in the race to be best of the rest behind the world champion.

Nys acknowledged that the timing of the race also played its part. “It’s been a very busy Christmas period,” he said, pointing to accumulated fatigue rather than a single decisive moment. By riding within his limits, he was able to stabilise his effort and gradually secure third place as the race unfolded.

As the gaps ahead grew, the focus shifted from ambition to execution. Nys kept his composure, avoided mistakes, and ultimately crossed the line 1 minute 16 seconds behind Van der Poel, but clear of the remaining contenders.

At a race carrying his father’s name, the podium carried obvious significance. It was not a day for heroics, but one for judgement. In choosing patience over impulse, Nys turned a difficult set of sensations into a solid result — even if the gap to the very front told its own story.