Thibau Nys looks towards cyclocross season: “I am still recovering”

Thibau Nys, the 21-year-old Belgian rider from Lidl-Trek, had an impressive season on the road this year, securing nine stage victories. However, as the cyclocross season approaches, Nys is dealing with challenges that have disrupted his preparation.

In a conversation with Het Laatste Nieuws, Nys expressed concern ahead of his first cyclocross race in Beringen, scheduled for Saturday, October 12. He admitted to feeling a "sense of panic" just before the race. "The time has come within three days, and I don't know how I will react to it,” he said.

Nys revealed that after a week of rest, he fell seriously ill, which had a significant impact on his fitness. "I am still recovering, not from the disease, that is completely over, but to get back to the level where I want to be; that will take a while."

As a result, Nys does not expect to be in top form at the start of the cyclocross season. "The first two races could give a distorted picture, I might get through it a bit after that,” he explained. “It takes time. I hope I can turn it around quickly and be one hundred percent myself again. I'm not the type to sit back and do nothing.”

Last year, Nys made headlines by winning a Cyclocross World Cup race in Waterloo, USA. While his current situation presents obstacles, his determination to regain form remains strong.