Thibau Nys explains offday at European Championships: “I fought, but even finishing was not possible”

Thibau Nys started as one of the top favorites at the European Championships, but was never in the picture and did not even reach the finish. “I’m going to see how I can best approach the coming weeks: maybe I should put the World Cup classification out of my mind to be fresher in other crosses.”

Today at 4:53 PM

With three victories under his belt this season, including the Koppenbergcross last Wednesday, Thibau Nys started this European Championship as one of the top favorites. With a muddy course in Pontchâteau, the conditions also seemed perfect.

But after a bad start, Nys was never able to get back on track. The 20-year-old Belgian from Baloise-Trek Lions even received a DNF.

“I still fought, but the moment I had a puncture, it was all over,” said a disappointed Nys. “I wanted to finish the race first, but with three laps to go, even that turned out to be impossible.”

Father Sven Nys already spoke of a less fresh Thibau during the race. Perhaps last Wednesday’s efforts were not consumed?

“I think it is indeed part of the explanation that I had not recovered from the Koppenbergcross. Because last week’s form cannot be gone. But I couldn’t use my legs the way I was supposed to. They didn’t feel right. I couldn’t go deep, the running wasn’t going well and I wasn’t in the race. I still fought for what I was worth, but to no avail.”

“It’s an extra shame if you saw the course of the race and the circumstances: in principle, this race should suit me. On the other hand: I don’t regret that I went for it on the Koppenberg.”

Missing the World Cup?

“We are now going to see how we can best approach the coming weeks,” said Thibau Nys. “Maybe I should put the World Cup rankings out of my mind to get a fresher start in other competitions. Because when I feel fresh, I’m among the best. On the other hand, if I have not recovered one hundred percent, as here and to a lesser extent in Maasmechelen, then I have a hard time. That’s part of my learning process. The cause of this off day was purely physical. I can handle the pressure, that wasn’t the problem at all. Physically I just wasn’t at the appointment.”