Youngster Thibau Nys takes European cyclocross title in Spain

Thibau Nys has on Sunday crowned himself European cyclocross champion in Pontevedra, Spain. For the 21-year-old Belgian, it’s his first European title in the elite category and his second gold medal ever at a European championship.

On the fast and technical course in Galicia, Nys crossed the finish line with a three-second lead over home rider Felipe Orts. Another Belgian rider, Eli Iserbyt, finished third a handful of seconds later.

For the 21-year-old Nys, it is the second gold medal ever at a European championship. In 2019, in Silvelle di Trebaseleghe, Italy, he took the European cyclocross title in the juniors category.

It was home rider Felipe Orts who made a crucial attack, halfway through the race. Thibau Nys quickly followed his wheel and Eli Iserbyt closed the gap a little while later. Dutchman Lars van der Haar was forced by the Belgians to set the pace in a chasing group and did manage to come back, but not for very long.

After Iserbyt switched bikes, Nys and Orts again took off. With two laps to go, they had an 11-second lead over Lars van der Haar with Eli Iserbyt and fellow Belgian Niels Vandeputte. In the final lap, Nys left Orts behind in the most technical part of the course and could celebrate his victory already before crossing the line.

No big surprise

Nys’ victory doesn’t come as a big surprise, despite his young age, as he is widely considered one of the sport's brightest prospects. The son of Sven Nys, one of the most decorated athletes in cyclocross history, he also had an impressive season on the road with nine wins – including five in the World Tour.

“It was a super difficult race, the speed was so high and it was difficult to make a gap,” said Nys after the race. “But everything fell together nicely and I always knew what to do. When I got in the lead with Felipe Orts, I knew I had the best man you can have along in a breakaway. He would work with me and fight for a podium place.” He rates this European title in the elite category highly, he added. ​ “I now get to ride with that star jersey from next week onwards. I am really speechless, I will have to let this sink in for a while.”

Cyclocross can be best described as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. It’s a form of bicycle racing that takes place on pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and involves obstacles requiring the rider to carry the bike. Races take place on a closed circuit in a park or other open land with competitors racing multiple laps. Since the season takes place from September to February, the riders often have to deal with rain, mud and sometimes even snow. The sport is particularly popular in Flanders, but also in the Netherlands and – to a lesser extent – France.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgian Thibau Nys celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men Elite race at the European Championships cyclocross cycling in Pontevedra, Spain, 03 November 2024 © BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS}