Thibau Nys cyclocross competition

Belgian cyclist Thibau Nys has confirmed his participation in the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm, scheduled for January 17, where he aims to defend his 2025 elite category victory.

Nys is also preparing for his seasonal cyclocross debut at the Koppenbergcross. Despite having only three weeks of specific training following an extended road racing season and a brief holiday in Tokyo, he remains confident. He noted that winning the Koppenbergcross is a primary career goal, though he is not currently focused on surpassing his father Sven Nys’s record of nine victories at the event. Regarding his role in the sport, Nys stated, “I don’t see myself as the savior of cyclocross,” while acknowledging the need for compelling personalities in the absence of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.

In the women's category at the Koppenbergcross, Fem van Empel is confirmed to participate alongside world champion Lucinda Brand. In the men's race, several notable riders are expected to be absent, including Niels Vandeputte, Felipe Orts, and Joran Wyseure, who is recovering from illness. Michael Vanthourenhout is expected to be among the main contenders alongside Nys.