VIDEO | "I just rode a bit too close to the barriers" - Thibau Nys admits error cost him Diegem Cross; Del Grosso describes 'quite intense' fight for victory
Cyclocross
The Superprestige Diegem Cross is one of the races that every year delivers heated action, and one of the most unique sceneries as the race takes place in the evening. Many decided not to make the trip for the last race of 2025 this year, but Thibau Nys and Tibor del Grosso had a memorable battle for the win. This is what both said after the finish.
"I'm tired, yet also very disappointed. It was a great battle. We were really evenly matched. We both had good sections of the course. However, I kept losing time in the sand trap, but I was able to make up for it through fitness," Nys shared in words to Sporza.
The Baloise Glowi Lions rider had to make up time on several occasions during the race, as Tibor del Grosso flew through the sand sectors and profited from his technique. However Nys had the legs to match him, and in the penultimate lap, with an error from the Dutch champion, Nys was able to get a meaningful gap.
It looked to be the perfect opportunity for the Belgian champion, however the good moment would not last. In the sand pit that defined the race in more than one way, Nys rode too close to the wooden poles that separated the course from fans, and hit one. He fell and lost about 10 seconds due to that.
"It was actually a pretty good sand section, but I just rode a bit too close to the barriers and got caught on my shifter," he described. "Afterward, I felt I was past my prime. I certainly didn't have the freshest legs today. Tibor had fresher legs." The Belgian tried to urgently chase, but after a few minutes it became clear the gap would not come down, and he did not have the legs to catch up again to del Grosso.
"I couldn't straighten it out. My legs completely closed up. Do I have any pain? My ribs did get a bit dented, and that affected my breathing, but I won't blame it on that. I made a technical error and was ultimately beaten on merit".
The moment Thibau Nys hit a pole and lost control of the bike at the Diegem Cross
Tibor del Grosso
On the other side of the spectrum, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider rejoiced his second consecutive Superprestige win, this time beating Joran Wyseure as Nys fell to third place. This course felt perfectly suited to his abilities.
"It was quite intense. I think I rode better and better through the sand today," he described to the Belgian news outlet. "I always got through it well, but Thibau was very strong in other sections. This is a really great victory. Diegem is one of the most beautiful cyclocross races of the year."
His mistake almost cost him the race, but after Nys' crash, he was isolated again in front and with the victory in his hand. Del Grosso did not waste the opportunity, and added a second win to his palmarès this winter.
"I had to work really hard to get back after I slipped out of my clipless pedal. But maybe Thibau was putting himself under pressure, trying to stay away. When he crashed, I saw an opportunity to go all out, knowing Thibau was stronger on the last climb. I kept going, hoping it would be enough.
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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- This is a phenomenal course design. I do wish that they'd stretch these tours for the women to at least 2 weeks.RidesHills03-11-2026
- This is an amazing route, honestly. Let's hope that it attracts riders to make it a compelling and competitive race. Side bar amusement: going to Slovenia and passing pretty close to Pogačar's house. I wonder if they were tempting him to get all 3 jerseys at once after winning the Tour and Vuelta. After all, only a very few have ever had all three at the same time (Froome being the last).RidesHills03-11-2026
- He was a child two years ago
Rafionain-Glas03-11-2026 - A great route aswell. Col d'Arpy is a toughieRafionain-Glas03-11-2026
- Let Torito have a shot at itRafionain-Glas03-11-2026
- A great route, much more exciting than the Tour de France. Monte Livata is an interesting one, because they experimented with it at the 2026 Baby Giro, and it was fantastic. 4 km at 10%, then 10 km at 6.5% made for a great spectacle. The stage 16 is horrible. Montaner is also used in the U23s, in Giro del BelvedereRafionain-Glas03-11-2026
- I remember when Mark went through that. He was really experiencing lows and thought about quiting many times. It took him a long time to recover. I, like many others were overjoyed when he came back. I hope Lafay has been tested. I wish him the best.Paggss03-11-2026
- That sucks for him. I've always wondered what guys like him do after retiring from cycling - go back to uni? He's still a very young manCrashjames03-11-2026
- Good Point, I wonder if he's been testedmhfrvz03-11-2026
- A busy boy!Lozza03-11-2026
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Today’s crazy crash of Thibau Nys in Diegem that destroyed the chances for the win for him 😳 🎥: @alreisor
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