'It's not impossible against Mathieu, but it almost is' – Nys evaluates Cyclocross Worlds chances

Thibau Nys in action for Baloise Trek Lions at the UCI World Cup in Hoogerheide, where he finished fourth
Thibau Nys in action for Baloise Trek Lions at the UCI World Cup in Hoogerheide, where he finished fourth (Image credit: Getty Images)

Reigning Under 23 world cyclocross champion Thibau Nys has set his sights on a podium place in the elite race at this weekend's UCI Cyclocross World Championships, admitting that it's almost impossible to compete with defending champion Mathieu van der Poel but confident he can be the best of the rest and so save Belgian honour.

21-year-old Nys will be making his debut at elite level alongside the likes of Eli Iserbyt, Michael Vanthourenhout, and Laurens Sweeck.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.