Flat tire in opening round played tricks on Thibau Nys: “I want to try to follow Mathieu”

The return of Mathieu van der Poel apparently calls for the best in Thibau Nys, who has performed very consistently in the latest crosses. “I had a very good day,” he responded enthusiastically. Laurens Sweeck was even able to bring the world champion back for a while. “I may have been a bit overwhelmed that I was suddenly sitting with him.”

Thibau Nys won the sprint against Laurens Sweeck for 2nd place in Loenhout. He did this after a catch-up race, because his start was not too great.

“I had a puncture in the middle of the first lap,” he explained. “It was close to the equipment station, but I missed the connection at the end of the first lap.”

“I was never really up to speed and therefore had to chase and had little control over the wheel. I would have preferred to be at the front from the start, because then I could have saved my strength.”

With Wout van Aert as a “good partner”, Nys was able to chase number 2 Sweeck and ultimately came 2nd himself. “It was the highest possible, I think. But I always believed in it. I had a very good day and it accelerated.”

Nys also finished on the podium in Zonhoven and Gavere in recent days. “Physically, I certainly feel as good as I did at the European Championships and in Overijse. Then it just depends on the course where I can best express my form.”

“I am very satisfied with how I am driving and I am already looking forward to Diegem next Monday. But I would like to take my chance and try to follow Mathieu,” it sounded promising.

All in all, Sweeck could live with the podium. But he did more or less stunt by catching up with Mathieu van der Poel after 3 laps.

“At first that wasn’t really my intention, but I got closer after a good passage. After that it went too fast.”

“I was perhaps a bit overwhelmed that I was suddenly there. A bad round followed and that killed me. The rest came back after that.”