Emotional Nys controlled the race from the start: "My mind was clear, and I knew exactly what I had to do."

Thibau Nys became European champion for the first time in his career in Pontevedra, Spain. The 22-year-old Belgian overcame the strong local rider Felipe Orts on the lightning-fast course and crossed the finish line first after a technically flawless race.

After the race, Nys spoke about how it unfolded. He surprised himself with how calm he felt. “It was a very tough race because it was so fast; it’s hard to create a gap,” he said in the flash interview. “I went into the race with the mindset of just letting things happen. I didn’t expect to have so much control from the start. My mind was clear, and I knew exactly what I had to do. From the moment I was in the lead, I had full control. I had the best rider with me because I knew he would be riding for a podium spot. It was one hundred percent perfect.”

The Spaniard Orts broke open the race with an attack, with Nys on his wheel. The newly crowned European champion had only praise for his Spanish competitor. “Yes, he’s incredibly strong. I knew he would be really prepared for this; it would be a major goal for him. Having him with me was perfect because we understood each other, and we were both riding for a spot on the podium.”

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Nys overwhelmed with title: "Everything has changed again"

After his win in Overijse, Nys claimed his second victory of the still-young season. It’s the first international title at the elite level for the son of legend Sven. He will race in his next cyclo-cross event wearing the white and blue champion’s jersey. “It means a lot. It’s crazy to race next time in a new kit. Everything has changed again, I have no words for it.” During the podium ceremony, emotions got the better of him. “When you’re standing on the podium and the national anthem plays, it really sinks in,” he told NOS.

“I’m someone who really enjoys the journey here, and I deeply appreciate that I get to do this, to live this life every day. But at the end of the day, it’s all about winning those big races. That’s the icing on the cake for me. I’m truly living in a dream right now, and I work very hard for this. When it pays off in wins and champion’s jerseys like this, it’s incredible.”

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