Just twelve hours after conquering the legendary Koppenberg with one of the standout rides of this cyclocross season, Thibau Nys found himself facing a very different kind of battle at Rapencross Lokeren — chaos.
Dropped shifters, endless bike swaps, a misaligned cockpit, and finally a crash in the sandpit — it was the kind of mechanical mayhem that can derail even the sharpest form. For the 22-year-old European cyclocross champion, it turned a weekend of triumph into a three-minute defeat and an emotional finish that drew plenty of criticism from fans and commentators alike.
But former world champion Bart Wellens has stepped in to defend Nys, offering insight into the razor-thin line between brilliance and breakdown that defines elite athletes.
> “Look at Remco Evenepoel at the World Championships — it was no different for Thibau in Lokeren,” Wellens wrote in Het Nieuwsblad. “The top guys only accept the very best.”
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When Perfection Turns on You
Wellens, still impressed by Nys’ Koppenberg heroics the day before, dismissed the idea that the young Belgian’s reaction was petulant. Instead, he framed it as the natural frustration of an athlete who demands perfection — and was suddenly betrayed by his own bike.
Ironically, that betrayal came from close to home. The culprit behind the mechanical spiral? Sven Nys — Thibau’s father, team boss, and one of the most meticulous figures in the sport. Sven admitted he had filed down Thibau’s shifters to improve grip, a small tweak that didn’t hold up once the racing got rough.
Wellens didn’t mince words:
> “Sven took the blame, but my advice to him would be: stick to your job. Stay away from the bikes — you’re not a mechanic.”
He also reminded readers how sensitive riders like Nys are to even the slightest equipment change. “If a shifter slips just a few millimetres, they feel it immediately,” Wellens said. “It’s as much mental as physical — a bike that feels even slightly off can throw you completely.”
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Perspective Over Panic
For Thibau Nys, Lokeren was a nightmare — but one that should be viewed in context. Just a day earlier, he had dominated on one of the most punishing climbs in cyclocross. That kind of form doesn’t vanish overnight.
“Wellens’ main message was simple: don’t overreact,” the column continued. “Thibau made a huge impression on the Koppenberg — though it didn’t surprise me.”
The only surprise for Wellens came from how long Cameron Mason managed to stay with Nys on the Koppenberg climb. “Thibau even looked irritated, checking back multiple times. That’s something Sven still hasn’t managed to train out of him,” Wellens joked.
In Lokeren, Nys eventually crossed the line in 15th place — not the result he wanted, but one clearly dictated by misfortune rather than lack of form. Inside the sport, most saw it for what it was: a mechanical meltdown that struck at the worst possible time.
As Wellens noted, this wasn’t weakness — it was expectation. Elite riders don’t tolerate average.
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What’s Next for Thibau Nys?
With the European Championships fast approaching, the young Belgian’s focus will be on resetting — not rediscovering form, but transforming frustration into fuel.
If the version of Nys who dominated the Koppenberg reappears, Rapencross Lokeren will soon be remembered as nothing more than an unfortunate footnote in a standout season.
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FAQs About Thibau Nys and Rapencross Lokeren
Who is Thibau Nys?
Thibau Nys is a Belgian professional cyclocross and road cyclist, and the son of legendary rider Sven Nys. He is known for his explosive power, technical skill, and recent success at the Koppenbergcross.
What happened to Thibau Nys at Rapencross Lokeren?
During the 2025 Rapencross Lokeren, Nys suffered from multiple mechanical issues, including a dropped shifter and repeated bike changes, before crashing in the sand section. He finished 15th despite being one of the pre-race favourites.
Why did Bart Wellens defend Thibau Nys?
Former world champion Bart Wellens defended Nys by pointing out that top athletes like him — and Remco Evenepoel at the road World Championships — hold themselves to extremely high standards. Frustration, in his view, comes from wanting perfection, not immaturity.
Did Sven Nys cause the mechanical problems?
Sven Nys admitted to modifying Thibau’s shifters to improve grip, but the change didn’t hold under race pressure. Bart Wellens later advised him to leave the mechanical work to the team technicians.
What’s next for Thibau Nys?
Thibau Nys is expected to refocus ahead of the European Cyclocross Championships, where he remains one of Belgium’s strongest contenders.
Keywords: Thibau Nys, Rapencross Lokeren, Koppenbergcross, Bart Wellens, Sven Nys, cyclocross 2025, European Championships, Remco Evenepoel, Thibau Nys mechanical issues, Thibau Nys news
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