Teammate quickly places Nys in Pogacar territory in the Ardennes: 'There won’t be many faster there, maybe no one at all'

Before lining up for his first race of the Ardennes campaign, Thibau Nys said to IDLProCycling.com that his sights were set on the hilly one day races, with one in particular on his mind: La Flèche Wallonne. The young rider has already notched a win this spring and looks to be in top form. But the question remains, what can he do against the likes of Pogacar and company?

One teammate who certainly believes in him is Otto Vergaerde. “Thibau has high expectations, and so does the team. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s right in the mix. But if it doesn’t go as planned, that’s part of it too,” the 30 year old told Sporza. Vergaerde raced alongside Nys at the Tour of the Basque Country.

If there’s one race 22 year old Thibau Nys could realistically win this week, it might just be the Dutch classic, says teammate Otto Vergaerde. “I rate his chances highest at the Amstel Gold Race, especially with the new finish on the Cauberg. There won’t be many who can go faster there than Thibau, maybe no one at all.”

But if Nys wants to fight for the win in one of the three Ardennes races, he’ll need to topple one of the sport’s biggest names. Tadej Pogacar, who blew the cobbled classics apart earlier this spring, is also on the start list. “If Pogacar can crack Van der Poel at Flanders, and the races unfold the same way this week, then it’s going to be tough for Thibau too.”

Still, belief runs deep within the Lidl Trek camp. Earlier this year, Nys already made a big statement by soloing to victory at the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain. “A strong Thibau, like the one I’ve seen in recent weeks, will be able to follow when Pogacar makes his move. But staying with him all the way, that’s another story.”

An attack from the Slovenian world champion is almost a given at La Flèche Wallonne, where the finish line sits atop the iconic Mur de Huy. But if it’s up to Otto Vergaerde, Thibau Nys will be right there to answer the call. “With an explosive attack like that, I honestly think Thibau can follow. He’s one of the best in the world. He doesn’t need to fear anyone.”

Still, it remains to be seen whether we’ll actually get a showdown on the final ascent of the Mur, as recent classics have shown the racing often ignites much earlier. Vergaerde is well aware of that possibility. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Pogacar goes a lap earlier and doesn’t wait for the final climb,” the Belgian added.