04/02/2023

Thibau Nys matches expectations and takes solo victory at under-23 World Championships

Thibau Nys came in as the big favourite for the World title in the men's under-23 race, and he has thrived in Hoogerheide as he attacked in the opening laps and managed to sustain a hard pace all throughout the race. Tibor Del Grosso and Witse Meussen took the remaining medals.

The race started off with effects from the light rain, making the track more slippery than initially expected. Soon it seemed as if Thibau Nys and Tibor Del Grosso were the big favourites as they gap the field on the opening lap, but the consistent traction errors from Del Grosso saw him slip back and eventually lose his place in the front. On lap 3 Nys found himself in front alone, with the Dutchman and three other Belgians closely chasing.

Startlist Cyclocross World Championships Hoogerheide 2023 - Women/Men Elite, Women/Men Under-23, Women/Men Junior, Mixed Relay

Some struggled in the conditions, but not the man out in front. Meeussen, Wyseure and Del Grosso settled in the chasing group but the gap was extending, and standing over 20 seconds at the entrance of the final lap.

In the battle for second place Meeussen attacked at the entrance of the final lap but was brought back soon after. Nys crossed the line for a glorious win alone in front, Tibor Del Grosso sprinted to second place as Witse Meeussen held on for third, with Wyseure sitting out of the podium.