"Only three races left before Van der Poel joins": Commentator doubts the dominance of Thibau Nys will be long-lived

In the 2025/26 cyclocross season, everything is happening. The excitement is at its peak, but there is one rider who is managing to stand out above the rest: Thibau Nys. Although the Belgian was unable to retain his European championship title, he is winning almost every race. The last one was the opening round of the 2025/26 World Cup in Tabor.

But it has to be said that, just as they are getting more exciting, the cyclocross races still don't feature the two big stars of the discipline: Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert (Tom Pidcock is not even expected). That's precisely what Eurosport commentator Jeroen Vanbelleghem points out in the podcast Kop over Kop.

"You need to enjoy it now," the Belgian begins, explaining. "We have protected cyclocross World Cup races, so we have three weeks in a row with one cyclocross race per week. After Flamanville, he still has Sardinia and Namur left: two races before Van der Poel joins."

"Van der Poel and Van Aert will probably be back in Antwerp on December 20, or in Koksijde or Hofstade (December 21 and 22): one of those three races. So now is the time for Nys to show his dominance, because then those two will be there," he adds.

However, Thibau Nys does not only have to worry about Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. As is well known, sand is the terrain that least benefits the Belgian. And that is why, according to Vanbelleghem, he is not even favorite to win the 3 races prior to the arrival of the two superstars he refers to.

Joris Nieuwenhuis, according to him, will dominate the pre-tests: "He finds perfect routes for himself. And if you look at Nys' Achilles heel, with Antwerp and Koksijde: sand is not his thing, he will have to give up some positions there. So my money is on Nieuwenhuis," he concludes.

Beyond that, what Thibau Nys is achieving should not be underestimated at all. At only 23 years of age, he is already one of the great stars of the discipline. And who knows? The race may come this season when he can beat Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.