Thibau Nys was able to cheer again. In a lightning-fast cross, the Baloise Glowi Lions rider completed a perfect final and beat Tibor Del Grosso in the sprint. It was striking that Wout van Aert was also at the start, but never really played for victory. Nys already had a clear explanation for this during the match, as he told Sporza afterwards.
READ ALSO:
Nys gives Baloise Glowi Lions serious headaches after Heusden-Zolder
“He couldn’t do his thing”
The victory gave Nys visible confidence. He himself spoke of a ‘flawless’ final phase, in which he did everything right in the last half lap. Yet the conversation afterwards was not only about his own performance, but also about what he saw happen to Van Aert along the way.
According to Nys, it quickly became clear that the course did not play into Van Aert’s hands. “The fact that I win with him may give extra shine, but that’s not what I’m concerned about,” he said matter-of-factly. “I quickly noticed that Wout couldn’t do his thing here.”
Nys was in Van Aert’s wheel several times and saw how the Belgian tried to accelerate, but kept getting into trouble. “He accelerated very quickly a few times, but then got into a lost position again. Then you just can’t do your thing.” The winner’s conclusion was clear. “In that respect it was not a Wout van Aert course.”
Call-up to Sweeck in the final
Nys played it tactically smart at the front. In the final he teamed up with Laurens Sweeck, who ultimately finished third. Nys admitted that he even loudly encouraged his compatriot. “I looked back a few times. When you see a gap like that, you don’t want to hand it over.” His hope was that Sweeck would continue to drive as fast as possible to keep the pursuers at bay.
That plan seemed to succeed for a while, although Nys had one reservation. “That’s why I thought it was a shame that Tibor could return quite cheaply after his flat tire.” Del Grosso still managed to reconnect and force Nys into a sprint, but the Belgian champion kept his cool.
