Results Koppenbergcross Men's 2025 | Thibau Nys crushes to win season debut, Cameron Mason superb in second

Thibau Nys returned to cyclocross in emphatic fashion on the cobbles of the Koppenberg, storming to a dominant victory in his first race of the season to claim his second career win on this legendary climb. The European champion out-powered Cameron Mason after an intense early battle, eventually riding clear on the iconic slopes to celebrate long before the finish line.

The race opened chaotically, slick cobbles and soaked fields immediately forcing mistakes. While Victor Van de Putte and Wout Janssen launched cleanly, favourite riders including Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout and Toon Aerts were forced into chase mode after a messy start. Aerts slid out early, remounting behind Nys as the favourites hunted the front.

Pim Ronhaar made the first serious move before British champion Mason surged past on the Koppenberg, only for Nys to counter with authority. From that moment the duel was set: Mason digging, Nys dancing over the cobbles, riding with the fluency and composure of a rider who thrives on this climb.

Mid-race, Nys clipped a course post but somehow stayed upright — a flash of drama before he attacked again and opened daylight. Mason briefly fought back, only to crash heavily on the off-camber, losing ground he would never regain. Behind, Ronhaar settled into third, while mechanical issues ruined Jente Michels’ promising start. Vanthourenhout abandoned; Nieuwenhuis and Vandeputte endured difficult afternoons.

With two laps to go the destiny of the race was clear. Nys continued to build his gap, floating up the cobbled wall with smooth, seated power as Mason fought gallantly to limit the margin. By the bell, the Belgian already looked assured, and he confirmed it in style — riding the final climb alone, saluting the crowd as he crossed the line.

It was Nys’ second Koppenbergcross victory, matching Lars van der Haar and Mario De Clercq. Only one man has more — his father, Sven Nys, who still sits alone on nine wins.

Mason secured a brilliant second place in what was arguably the finest ride of his elite CX career, while Ronhaar completed the podium.