# Thibau Nys cyclocross competition > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/thibau-nys-cyclocross-competition > Updated: 2026-10-29T10:01:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Thibau Nys returns to cyclocross at Koppenbergcross Thibau Nys makes his cyclocross season debut at the Koppenbergcross despite limited training. Fem van Empel is also confirmed to compete in the women's elite race. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thibau-nys-prepares-for-koppenbergcross-season-opener ### 2026-10-13: Thibau Nys to defend cyclocross title in Benidorm Belgian cyclocross champion Thibau Nys will return to Benidorm on January 17 to defend his 2025 UCI Cyclocross World Cup elite title. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thibau-nys-to-defend-cyclocross-title-in-benidorm --- Cite as: Thibau Nys cyclocross competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/thibau-nys-cyclocross-competition