Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) has withdrawn from Sunday's Koksijde World Cup, following a flat performance at Antwerpen on Saturday and a loss of the leader's jersey.
The 23-year-old was officially listed on the UCI entry list submitted the previous Monday, but team management made the final call on 20 December following his 23rd-place finish in Antwerp, where he crossed the line 3 minutes 23 seconds behind winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
Speaking in Antwerp to Sporza, team manager Sven Nys confirmed the withdrawal, stating bluntly: "Thibau won't be racing in Koksijde tomorrow."
The decision plays to the favour of series leader Laurens Sweeck, who moved to 116 points after Antwerp, three clear of Nys on 113. Missing Koksijde may chip away substantially at his chances of reclaiming the top spot.
Baloise Glowi Lions cited the physical toll of racing three elite-level crosses in quick succession as the primary factor. Koksijde's demanding sand course – requiring sustained high-torque efforts through the dunes – would have been Nys's third race in quick succession during the sport's most intense block, the 'Kerstperiode'.
"He shouldn't be racing three cyclocross races in a row during the Christmas period. He needs to build in recovery time." Sven Nys explained, adding that taking on Koksijde "would be a bit like suicide at his age."
This is not the first time the team has pulled Nys from Koksijde mid-season. In January 2025, he also withdrew following a weak New Year's Day performance, with management refusing to risk his fitness.
Cover image: Zubiko/SWpix.com
