Former cyclocross world champion recalls wonderful memories of young Nys: "Back then we thought: that's not going to work out"

When the course of the cyclocross Worlds in Hulst was announced, there were some nice people present. Besides Adrie van der Poel, with Zdenek Stybar there was another cyclo-cross world champion present. We spoke to the Czech about his life after retirement and also the development of Thibau Nys.

"Good! It's been almost two years now that I've retired. I went to Tábor last weekend. That was nice, to see that course again. I was especially happy that the World Cup was back in the Czech Republic. We need that as a country. And for the rest it was pretty busy. I'm constantly going up and down between the Czech Republic and Belgium. Occasionally cycling too, so everything is okay."

"I don't think I said it that way, but of course it's a big step. In your career, everything is planned and arranged. You know where you are going to race in the coming months. Now, of course, it's a bit of chaos. I founded Czech Cycling Academy together with some people, so I'm working on that. We mentor coaches and also other riders. We want to be able to bring people into cycling. I'm also still doing a lot for Skoda. I have my activities like that."

"Yes. When I'm at home, I watch anyway. But if my little son says, 'come daddy, let's go outside,' then I go outside. Sometimes, with the World Championships on the road for example, I really want to sit down for three hours, to make a nice afternoon of it. For a small race, I don't stay home."

"I do enjoy seeing Thibau performing like he is. In fact, I've known him since he was two years old. He was doing descents early on and then we thought: ai, that's not going to work out..."

"It has come worked out well. It's also just really fun to follow his career, both in cyclo-cross and on the road. Also super fun that he can share that with his dad. That's a dream, so it's really a lot of fun to follow."

"No, but not last year either. I just call it: boeken toe. I still really like cycling, though, so when I have time, I really like to go cycling. But a comeback to really go racing again ... I don't want that."

"That would still be possible, I think. À bloc uphill of course I wouldn't be able to do that, but I could still go 100, 150 kilometers with them. I won't be afraid of that. I would be well tired after that, but I could still ride along anyway."

"When I'm here in Belgium, I adjust my days a little bit. I do that to what I have to do for work. Then it's hard to meet up, so it's sporadic that I actually go cycling with someone. I usually go alone anyway, but I'm still in contact with other riders, especially from Quick-Step."

"Thank you."