Interview | Sven Nys tries to support son Thibau where necessary: "We are in contact daily"

In recent weeks, Thibau Nys could not be happier. The Trek-Segafredo youngster secured his first pro victory in Norway, followed by winning the GP Kanton Aargau. Expectations were high for the Baloise Belgium Tour. However, in the opening stage, the 20-year-old Flemish rider had a tough day, finishing 127th, over fifteen minutes behind. Nevertheless, he showcased his good legs in the final two stages, claiming two podium finishes. Prior to the home race, IDLProCycling.com spoke with father Sven Nys about anything and everything.

In an interview with this website, Thibau indicated he was feeling good and fully prepared to perform in the Baloise Belgium Tour, especially since it's a home race. Sven, a two-time cyclocross world champion, is also in good spirits. "Things are going well, very well actually. Behind the scenes, I'm mainly focused on the cycling team," he referred to his role as a team manager at Baloise Trek Lions, the team that had to throw the towel in the ring for the race just before the fifth stage - due to bike theft.

"Within his team, I completely let Thibau do his own thing," says father Sven Nys

"At the same time, I provide commentary on cycling races every now and then," Nys continued, emphasizing that he is both a jack-of-all-trades and a busy bee in the cycling world. The 46-year-old "Cannibal of Baal" is also a busy family man. Thibau still lives with him, so lunch or dinner at the Nys household usually means cycling will dominate the conversation. "Within his team, I completely let Thibau do his own thing. But of course, we are in contact daily. We're busy with certain things every day. However, he's also smart enough to tackle some things on his own."

According to Sven, Thibau is always ready to perform but never feels any real pressure, even when the Flemish cycling nation dreams of another consistently strong performer. "Thibau has made it clear to himself that he has already achieved more than he ever dared to dream of," explains the "King of the Koppenberg".

Normally, Thibau Nys will compete in the UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow, in the U23 category

"Especially this year, things are really going tremendously well. I think he also wants to take on the role of a helper within the team when necessary. This year is mainly about learning a lot, making mistakes and achieving some success at some point," he suggests that Thibau's ambitions don't necessarily have to overshadow everything and everyone else.

A Grand Tour is still too early for Thibau, as Sven mentions, while also revealing his protégé's race program. "After the Baloise Belgium Tour, he will compete in the Belgian Championship. Then there will be a break, during which he will also go on a high altitude training camp. Next, he will participate in the Tour de Wallonie and try to make it into the Belgian U23 national team for the UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow. He will end his road season with the Renewi Tour (formerly Benelux Tour, ed.), when his focus will fully shift to the cyclocross season."