Can Thibaut Ness also benefit from the ‘cross country course’ at the World Cup? “Nonsense! We’re not on a cross bike” | Cycling World Championship

Saturday is also D-Day for Thibau Nys.

“This was clearly indicated at the start of the season,” he said at the press moment about the upcoming World Championship road race.

Although the Belgian leader in the reserves did not yet know that he would actually have two professional victories this season. “I can’t deny that point has faded a bit since then,” he said bluntly.

“But of course I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to shave it. It’s still a big goal for me.”

Surely when he saw the elite men’s road race, he would have rubbed his hands. As a cyclo-cross racer, Nys is used to spinning a lot and in a short amount of time, right?

“It doesn’t make sense for people to say motocross riders have an advantage here,” he warns. “It’s a lot more about the intervals on this course.

“I don’t get why we can take a corner faster than a road racer. We’re not on a cross bike, are we? That would be a different story. Now you hardly notice.”

Although our compatriot also sees advantages in the domestic tour. “It’s a tough track, where I have to be able to do my stuff.”

“Although it certainly won’t be easy. I expect a very nervous race. You will have to race to stay on track. With promises, the match is always less controlled. It will be war. I haven’t ridden a promising race in a while, so it will definitely be some tweaking at the start.”

After a few laps the sky should be clearing for Nys. “The ideal scenario is actually for a select group to stay. We will of course have to make sure we don’t miss that fight.”

Obviously, the Belgian leader speaks in the plural. For example, Nys has a strong Belgian on his side with Alec Saegaert on Saturday. “We will certainly help each other where possible, but this match will be the basis for survival. So I must also be able to draw my own plan.”

So Nys gets a better favorite stamp on his skin. “Why? Because I’ve had some reputation in recent years, I think. I’m the only one with two victories professionally. But that certainly doesn’t make it any less obvious.”