Thibau Nys couldn't hurt himself and is aware of 'costly' mistake in Maasmechelen

Thibau Nys started Sunday's Maasmechelen World Cup cross as the top favorite, but ultimately had to settle for seventh place. In his own words, the Belgian did not really get into the race and thus also missed out on potentially expensive points in the World Cup standing class.

'I was in surplus in the first half, but in the end I couldn't go over my head,' Nys told influential media, including IDLProcycling, just after the finish. 'I had a lot of trouble hurting myself. How it came about, I don't know. During reconnaissance I already didn't feel top, but it could also just be a lesser day. Of course, that could be one time," he is mild to himself.

In the end, Nys crashed, for which he blames himself. 'I just wasn't in the race well and then you make a lot of mistakes. Now that was an expensive one, because I lose a podium spot because of it,' he is aware of the impact of that crash. 'Those would have been nice points to take away for the standings and with a place on the podium I would have been very happy too. From my crash I'm not bothered, but I need to get it checked.'

Nys realistic after seventh place: 'It can turn quickly'

For his ambitions, it is still too early to choose a path, Nys believes. 'I won the first World Cup and am now seventh, so things can turn very quickly,' he cited. Finally, he had some nice words to say for teammate Lars van der Haar, the eventual winner of the cross in Maasmechelen. 'It's great that Lars is taking home that victory and I hope we can continue that line with the whole team to the Koppenbergcross.'

So on Wednesday, Nys will compete in the cyclocross in Oudenaarde on the famous Koppenberg, while next Sunday he will also be one of the top favorites at the European Championships in Pontchateau.