Thibau Nys Claims Second European Title
Thibau Nys secured his second European cyclo-cross title in Zeddam, launching a decisive acceleration on the course’s daunting 99-step staircase during the final lap of the elite men’s race, In de Leiderstrui reported.
The victory capped a dominant weekend of racing in the Achterhoek region, where the international cyclo-cross championship returned for the first time since the 2006 World Championships. Back then, Erwin Vervecken and Marianne Vos claimed world titles on the same Gelderland terrain. Two decades later, Vervecken returned as the circuit designer, incorporating the historic staircase into a modern layout.
Tactical Battle on the Historic Zeddam Circuit
Joran Wyseure provided stubborn resistance throughout the nine-lap contest, shadowing Nys until the closing moments of the race. While several contenders, including a charging Cameron Mason, threatened from behind, the race ultimately distilled into a tactical duel between the Belgian frontrunners.
According to Sporza, Nys refused to wait for a sprint finish on the tarmac, choosing instead to attack on the steep steps with aggressive strides that immediately distanced Wyseure. Wyseure held on for second place, while Niels Vandeputte completed an all-Belgian podium by winning the sprint for the bronze medal.
Lucinda Brand Wins Elite Women's Gold in Zeddam
The championship featured intense battles across multiple age categories on the 7th and 8th of November, drawing crowds to Zeddam in the municipality of Montferland near the German border. While only the elite races were broadcast live, full results from every category were recorded across the weekend.
In the elite women’s competition, Lucinda Brand captured the gold medal for the Netherlands, holding off Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber in second and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in third. Meanwhile, the men’s race saw title defender Toon Aerts sidelined due to a lingering knee injury, clearing the path for a new champion.
Complete European Championship Results
Saturday’s racing set the tone for the weekend before Sunday’s headline elite showdowns concluded the event with eight total medals for the Belgian delegation.
- Junior Women: Gold – Lentel Huys (Belgium), Silver – Shana Huber (Switzerland), Bronze – Nynke Jochems (Netherlands)
- Under-23 Men: Gold – Aubin Sparfel (France), Silver – Giel Lejeune (Belgium), Bronze – Viktor Vandenberghe (Belgium)
- Elite Women: Gold – Lucinda Brand (Netherlands), Silver – Marie Schreiber (Luxemburg), Bronze – Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Netherlands)
- Junior Men: Gold – Lars Peers (Belgium), Silver – Delano Heeren (Netherlands), Bronze – Bas Vanden Eynde (Belgium)
- Under-23 Women: Gold – Célia Gery (France), Silver – Lison Desprez (France), Bronze – Amandine Muller (France)
- Elite Men: Gold – Thibau Nys (Belgium), Silver – Joran Wyseure (Belgium), Bronze – Niels Vandeputte (Belgium)
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