Thibau Nys: "I think no one in the team would blame me if I catch up to one of the Dutch riders"

Baloise Trek Lions will have four contenders for the podium at the World Cyclocross Championships on Sunday, three wearing orange and Thibau Nys representing the Belgian colors. For the amiable young rider, the national affiliations don't make much difference: he's focused on performing his best in the race, he shared with IDLProCycling.com.

The Belgian cyclo-cross team, through team director Eric Braes, was clear on Friday afternoon about the internal agreements regarding the team's dynamics during the World Championships. "I believe our riders are experienced enough, and we've had thorough discussions within the team about what's acceptable and what's not. We didn't realize they'd be performing this well, but it was all talked about. Not just for this World Championship but also for the European Championship. It's great that these discussions can happen before the season starts. I'm mostly pleased that there's such a strong trust between them, that there's chemistry," Braes explained.

Nys was just as straightforward when asked about it on Friday. "No one from the team would hold it against me if I end up catching up to one of them; we've known that much from the start," he hints at the agreements made within the team that also includes Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar, and Joris Nieuwenhuis. "At the beginning of the season, you already know these championships are on the horizon. So, it's not difficult to compete against them, especially not on this course. Because it's a fair track," he adds.

Nys aims to give his all to show his best self in Tábor

Alright, the Belgian performed more than decently in his last two World Cups (Benidorm and Hoogerheide), so what can we expect in Tábor? "I hope I've already gone through the learning curve this season. It's a different situation compared to last year, when I had to become world champion," he refers to the U23 World Championship in Hoogerheide. "That's a world of difference."

"I want to be the best version of myself, and if I am that on Sunday, then the podium is possible," he states, without wanting to put too much pressure on himself. "If not, then so be it. I'm just going to do everything I can to be as good as possible, beyond that, I'm not concerned with scenarios, positions, Mathieu, or anything like that. I'm going to do my thing and have fun," Nys declares firmly.

In West Brabant, he tried to follow Van der Poel last week, but what can we expect in the Czech mud? "You can't predict that. Before Hoogerheide, I also didn't start with the idea of following Mathieu, but it just happened," says Nys. "If such an opportunity presents itself again on Sunday, I might handle it the same way. We'll see how I feel, how the others feel, and what happens."

Nys is still in his first Elite World Championship, so to what extent is there even a question of must? "I still have a lot to prove in cyclo-cross, and on the road as well. I don't see myself checking this off in my second year, so I'll be around for a while," smiles the always outspoken rider.

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