Thibau Nys, the rising star of Lidl-Trek, made his much-anticipated debut in the Amstel Gold Race on April 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Competing in the first of the Ardennes classics, Nys, at just 22 years old, displayed both ambition and a realistic understanding of his capabilities amidst the fierce competition.
Despite his youthful exuberance, Nys approached the race with a level of humility, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “I’ve never been better, but that’s no guarantee for a result,” he candidly remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of the event. His focus, however, remains sharp on the upcoming Waalse Pijl, scheduled for April 23, 2025. “I think about it every day,” he confessed, indicating the importance of the race in his plans.
In the Amstel Gold Race, Nys finished in 12th place, a respectable result for his first race over 250 kilometers. His performance was marked by a mixture of determination and frustration. “I was too far back when Pogacar accelerated on the Gulperberg,” Nys said, reflecting on a critical moment in the race. Despite feeling strong initially, he admitted to fading in the last 10 kilometers. “I could still ride hard, but the punch was gone. I felt that on the last passage over the Cauberg,” he explained.
Teammate Otto Vergaerde had predicted that Nys would be able to keep pace with the likes of Tadej Pogacar, but reality proved to be more challenging. As Pogacar ramped up the intensity, Nys found himself unable to respond effectively. Nonetheless, he did manage to secure 12th place by winning a sprint against U.S. cyclist Neilson Powless, who had previously claimed victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Reflecting on his performance, Nys expressed satisfaction with his debut, stating, “I’m happy, it was good.” He believes that his experience in the Amstel Gold Race will serve him well in the Waalse Pijl, where he expects to perform even better. “I had a flawless build-up to the start of the road season. I think I’m ready,” he stated confidently.
Nys’s explosive acceleration, honed through years of cyclocross racing, positions him well for the steep climbs characteristic of the Ardennes classics. However, he is also aware of his limitations. “The disadvantage is that you do less long endurance training in the winter. That’s something to improve on in the long term,” he noted.
As he gears up for the Waalse Pijl, Nys is realistic about the challenges he will face. “It’s going to be really tough. You’ll need your best day to have a chance in those last thirty seconds or last minute,” he said, emphasizing the importance of peak performance in such a demanding race. He is particularly concerned about the Muur van Hoei, a climb that has long been his favorite but also poses significant challenges. “If you go over the limit there, it’s tough to recover for one last push,” he cautioned.
Despite his lack of experience in the Waalse Pijl, Nys remains optimistic. “I know the climb, my form, and what I can do in such an effort. But that’s nothing compared to the riders who win or perform well here. I have no reference point. I’m going in ‘blind,’ but with confidence,” he explained, showcasing his determination to learn and grow from the experience.
Looking ahead, Nys dreams not only of success in the Ardennes but also of competing in the Belgian championship in Binche. “That would be a huge step. But I don’t need to win that race to be satisfied with my season,” he clarified, demonstrating a mature perspective on his career trajectory.
As he prepares for the Waalse Pijl, Nys is buoyed by the support of his teammates, including Matias Skjelmose, who finished second in the Waalse Pijl last year. Together, they aim to make an impact in the upcoming races.
In conclusion, Thibau Nys’s debut in the Amstel Gold Race has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in his cycling career. With his sights firmly set on the Waalse Pijl, he is ready to take on the challenges ahead, armed with ambition, determination, and a desire to learn from every experience.
