Nys wins Belgian National Championship with powerful attack, Sweeck takes silver, and Aerts rounds out the podium

Thibau Nys claimed victory in the Belgian National Championships Cyclo-cross for men. He launched a decisive attack in the penultimate lap, leaving Laurens Sweeck behind. Sweeck, riding for Crelan-Corendon, secured the silver medal. The battle for bronze was intense but ultimately the final podium spot went to Toon Aerts.

While Saturday’s women’s race in Heusden-Zolder featured icy, snowy, and slippery conditions, Sunday saw the thaw set in. Though some snow remained, the course and the corners were no longer dangerously slippery. Instead, there was lots of mud, which created some very challenging sections. Wout van Aert did not participate in the Belgian National Championships, making it difficult to pinpoint a clear favorite beforehand.

Favorites stay together despite skirmishes

On the long starting straight, Niels Vandeputte was off to the fastest start and entered the field first. Nys, however, struggled and quickly found himself hovering around 15th place.

Once in the field, Thijs Aerts took over the lead from Vandeputte but he also dropped back after a crash. Meanwhile, Nys took significant risks to work his way back to the front, and that involved a few pretty spectacular moves. By the end of the first lap, a lead group of five had formed: Emiel Verstrynge, Michael Vanthourenhout, Laurens Sweeck, Toon Aerts, and Vandeputte. Meanwhile, Nys had practically fought his way back to the front of the race, with a group that included Eli Iserbyt chasing him down.

In the second lap, the race came back together, and a lead group of about 15 riders formed. On a challenging muddy climb, Nys impressively moved into the lead. The technical section that followed created a new selection, forming an elite group without Iserbyt, who had lost ground after a crash.

Text continues below the photo.

Race gets tactical, Sweeck makes his move

Entering the third lap, there were five leaders: Nys, Sweeck, Aerts, Vanthourenhout, and Vandeputte, with Verstrynge trailing just behind. The chasing group, led by Iserbyt, was 12 seconds back. However, he managed to rejoin the leaders shortly after. As predicted, the race turned into an exciting battle, with eight evenly matched riders.

Not much happened in the next lap until another crash left Joran Wyseure and Iserbyt trailing by more than ten seconds. The fourth lap was tactical, with riders testing each other and waiting for opportunities, keeping their strategies close to the chest. Near the end of the lap, Sweeck made the first big move. He accelerated, and only Aerts went with him. Behind them, Nys and Vanthourenhout hesitated, which led to a small gap of several seconds.

Nys makes crucial move at key point in the race

By this point, Iserbyt, Wyseure, and Verstrynge had dropped out of contention as the pace increased due to Sweeck’s move. In the penultimate lap, Nys closed the gap to Sweeck and took the lead during a technical section. He then launched a powerful attack, leaving Sweeck unable to respond. His decisive acceleration, just before the hilly zone and the crucial descent, ultimately determined the outcome of the race.

Heading into the final lap, the European champion had built a nine-second lead over Sweeck. The race had turned a bit chaotic. Vanthourenhout, hindered by a crash, was no longer in contention, leaving Aerts and Vandeputte to fight for the podium.

In the final lap, Nys maintained his lead, avoided mistakes, and crossed the line to claim a well-earned gold medal. The 22-year-old rider for Baloise Glowi Lions emerged as a deserving winner of the Belgian Championship. Aerts came close to overtaking Sweeck for silver, but Sweeck held on and managed to secure second place.

Results Belgian Championships Cyclo-cross 2025, men

Read also

Ever wondered what it's like to be Pogacar's domestique? "Actually quite simple," says Pavel Sivakov

New wolves Schachmann and Hayter criticize Red Bull and INEOS: "Bikes designed for them, not for me"

Wout van Aert receives praise: "He could live in Monaco, and drive a red Ferrari"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe