Wellens thinks Van der Poel is untouchable by Nys, but that Van Aert would struggle with compatriot
Cyclo-cross
It's been a superb and unpredictable cyclo-cross winter so far. Several riders have already won prestigious races, and the season is full of surprises. There is essentially only one stable factor: Thibau Nys. In Belgium, they are working on balance in cyclo-cross amongst the big names. And actually, bold statements are made about this every week.
Just like now. Bart Wellens, former Belgian cyclist, commented in Het Nieuwsblad on the current season in the field. He was amazed at the similar level of the races. "I never thought Laurens Sweeck could win in Niel because the course was too tough for him. To then literally lead from start to finish surprised me. But when sand is on the course, you know Laurens Sweeck is among the favorites," he described the sand specialist's victory in Het Nieuwsblad.
Read more below the photo.
Wellens does dare to warn Van Aert for Nys
Wellens also reflected on Nys' victory last weekend. "I enjoyed the victory of Thibau Nys in Lokeren on Sunday. I'm not allowed to say it, but secretly, I'm a fan of Thibau and his way of racing. He attacked right away, but when he saw he wasn't getting away, he put himself in fifth position to observe and strike later. He is racing very sensibly, and I would like to see that," the analyst reveals.
Racing intelligently, securing victories... Well, you quickly climb up in the cyclo-cross world and are compared to the big two. "If Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel later join them, I would like to see the spectacle. If Wout comes into the field at last winter's level, he will have a lot of trouble beating this Thibau Nys. Mathieu, that's another matter. If he is somewhat fit, he won't have much trouble with Thibau," he is clear about the difference between Nys and Van der Poel.
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024