Thibau Nys explains special bond with Pontchâteau and reveals who he most wants to win the European Championship title

After his victory in the Koppenbergcross, Thibau Nys is now Belgium's biggest hope for the European Championships. The Baloise Trek Lions crowd-puller himself downplays the expectations for the title fight in Pontchâteau, but is looking forward to it anyway. On the Koppenberg, after his win, he took the time to look ahead with, among others, IDLProCycling.com.

First things first: how did it feel to win that much-coveted race near Oudenaarde after nine victories by father Sven? "I heard my name being chanted very often, it was unbelievable how much support there was," said Nys junior with a big smile. "I think it came a little bit close to how our dad has ridden here throughout his career. That feels incredible, having such an audience behind you. I can only be grateful to them, and it's all the more beautiful that I can finish it off. Completing a full square meter of cobblestone with the family, that will stay with us for the rest of our lives."

The Belgian just managed to stay ahead of teammate Lars van der Haar on the Melden hill. On Sunday, he will be competing against the Dutchman. "We're dealing with a very strong Lars van der Haar, while the course on the Koppenberg isn't entirely his thing. Where it's more about pedaling than a survival tour, Lars is always involved. Then add to that all the other guys."

"Sunday I want to be there as well," Nys said, looking ahead to the European Championship. "Whether I am the top favorite? There are other names at the starting line, and the Koppenberg is going to take its toll on the body. Even if I finish seventh, I have already won a World Cup and now the Koppenberg. I can already say I had a successful season, if I can add some more victories and podium places. It's already been great, whether I win on Sunday or not," said the articulate cyclocross racer.

What the circuit in France is going to be like exactly, that remains a mystery to many followers. Nys can enlighten us a bit. "I really enjoy coming there. Pontchâteau is very dear to me; it's a cross with a lot of history. I won my first World Cup there as a junior. In dry conditions, it suits me perfectly, but I can also handle tough conditions. I will be heading there with a relaxed feeling regardless."

Nys: "Who do I want to win the title? The strongest in the race"

The fact that he has to compete against teammates Van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar and Joris Nieuwenhuis could potentially cause confusion. "That's going to be difficult, but there are other Belgians to chase the Dutch as well. It's not like I have to ride behind Lars just because I'm Belgian. I think Eli will have to do that too, but it's going to depend on how things turn out. If it's as tough as it was here, then it's going to be a fair cross."

This could mean that it might turn into a real duel against Van der Haar, although there are of course other contenders to watch out for. "I don't think Lars would mind if I rode behind him, but why would I ride behind him with Eli in my wheel?" Nys hypothesizes. "Then Eli might as well ride behind him with me in his wheel. It's exactly the same. And if Eli takes off, then Lars can chase after him," he concedes.

Nys is clear about who he most wants to win the title. "The strongest in the race," the astute Belgian immediately replies. "If Eli is stronger than Lars and beats him fairly, then he deserves it the most. The same goes for Laurens Sweeck, Gerben Kuypers, Michael Vanthourenhout, or whoever else. But still, I would prefer it to be me.”