Thibau Nys and Laurens Sweeck react to mixing it with the big two Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert: “I was a bit overwhelmed that I was suddenly there"

Thibau Nys and Laurens Sweeck delivered strong performances at the Azencross Loenhout, securing second and third places respectively behind the dominant Mathieu van der Poel. The duo managed to beat Wout van Aert to complete the podium.

European champion Nys earned his second-place finish by outsprinting Sweeck in the closing stages, despite a challenging start to the race. Speaking to Wielerflits, Nys explained the early setback he faced. “I got [a flat tire] in the middle of the first lap. I didn't lose much time, but I did lose the connection with the head of the race. After that I actually had to chase the whole time, I was never really with it. Fortunately I had a good companion in Wout van Aert.”

Reflecting on his result, Nys acknowledged his limitations on the day. “Second was definitely the highest I could achieve today. I feel that I am physically at my best, like at the European Championships and in Overijse. It just depends on the course where I perform best. I am really looking forward to Diegem myself. I also want to try to follow Mathieu van der Poel in one of the next races.”

For Laurens Sweeck, the podium finish came as a bit of a surprise. “I was a bit overwhelmed that I was suddenly there,” Sweeck admitted. “I actually just rode a good passage in front of the washboard, it wasn't necessarily the intention.”

The two riders will be hoping to more regularly compete with the sports biggest riders in the near future. Of course, Van der Poel still appears several levels ahead of everyone, but maybe Van Aert may be more in reach for the likes of Nys and Sweeck. Van Aert was only racing his first cross of the season today, and has struggled with injuries in 2024, so will get better as the season goes on.