"Pressure? What pressure?" Nys pulls a 'Cole Palmer' as dad Sven and girlfriend Anna celebrate joyously

When it matters most, Thibau Nys delivers — that’s been the hallmark of his performances this winter. Following his commanding victory at the European Championships in Pontevedra in Spain, the 22-year-old Baloise Glowi Lions rider once again came out on top on Sunday, this time at the Belgian National Championships in Heusden-Zolder. His father, Sven, watched proudly as an analyst, while Thibau’s Dutch girlfriend, Anna Eikendal, was waiting for him at the finish line. The result? A massive celebration for the Nys family.

Exactly 25 years after Sven Nys won his first title, his son now claims his first black, yellow, and red jersey. While Sven had to stay composed as a Sporza analyst, his pride was unmistakable. "This is very hard to put into words," he said. "I’ve experienced moments like this myself, but it doesn’t compare to seeing your own son achieve it. We share the same passion and share joy and sorrow together. So you really cherish a moment like this. Is this more special than winning a title myself? I don’t even doubt that for a second."

Girlfriend Anna Eikendal was perhaps the most euphoric person on the entire circuit, jumping for joy after her boyfriend’s victory. "I’m super, super, super proud. There are no words," she said. "I was incredibly stressed today, but he pulled it off, so it was all worth it." Nys secured the title by shaking off Laurens Sweeck in the penultimate lap, relegating the Crelan-Corendon rider to second place.

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Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Toney, Trent ... And Nys

The newly crowned Belgian champion is mentally strong and handles pressure like no one else. On Instagram, he even referenced the UEFA European Championships, where English soccer players faced immense pressure. "Pressure? What pressure?" Nys wrote after his win. "He wasn’t nervous until about an hour before the race," Eikendal shared. "He knows how to handle it so well, though that was a bit less the case for the people around him!"

Before the race, the European champion admitted he wished he had won more cyclo-cross races this season. While the Belgian title was a goal, he didn’t want to be known as just a championship racer. However, once he arrived at the venue, his mindset shifted. "It was definitely on his mind. After the course reconnaissance, he only became more eager to win. On the days that matter, he shows up. That’s been the hallmark of his season. He delivers — nothing more, nothing less."

This marks the 10th national title for someone with the surname Nys, a fitting reason for a proper celebration. The party started, albeit modestly, right after the finish. "I’m always the one who brings the post-race treats," Eikendal laughed. The real celebration, however, took place Sunday evening at Nys’ home base. "I think we’ll have a little party in Baal (in Belgium, ed.) tonight. Celebrating a Belgian title on the Balenberg — there’s nothing better!"

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