Thibau Nys has 3 Cyclocross race wins from 3, but: 'I don't know when was the last time I had to suffer this much'
Cyclocross
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Follow us on GoogleThibau Nys made his first appearance in the European champion’s jersey since his victory in Zeddam, and maintained his perfect record this cyclocross season with a win in Hamme-Zogge. It wasn’t easy, though: on the lightning-fast course of the Bollekescross, the Belgian rider from Baloise - Het Poetsbureau Lions had a very tough time.
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Thibau Nys is 3 wins from 3 in 2026 cyclocross
Nys had to work hard at the 2026 Hamme cyclocross
Nys won the European Championship for the second time in his career and put on a superb performance to take the title in Zeddam.
After a week’s rest, he returned to cyclocross competition in Hamme-Zogge, on a course that was new compared to last year’s but familiar to longtime fans.
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For Nys, it was especially meaningful because it meant he could once again don his European jersey, a year after he gave it up following Toon Aerts’ victory in Middelkerke.
“It feels great, even though it’s not the first time for me,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws before the start. “I’ve been away from it for a year, but it feels familiar and good.”
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Papa Sven has won it no fewer than seven times, so Nys was happy about the return of the Bollekescross. “I think this is a race that definitely belongs on the calendar every year.
The weather also plays a crucial role in the course. I think we actually have everything here that a race should have. It’s beautifully laid out, a great location—I’m glad to be here.”
Read more below the photos!
Nys had to dig really, really deep in Hamme-Zogge
Nys Jr. still had fond memories of the Hamme-Zogge cyclocross race. “I remember a really tough snow-covered race, and that I once got my boots stuck in the mud there,” he grinned.
It wasn’t muddy this time: since it was relatively dry, it turned into a fast race.
And that made the race very difficult. Nys was constantly hovering around seventh place, and occasionally had to close some gaps as well.
In the final laps, however, he showed that he’d been biding his time: he moved up bit by bit and took the lead in the final lap. He rode to the finish line with his rivals on his wheel and beat them in the sprint.
It looked impressive, especially because of the timing. The European champion did make a few mistakes, but he recovered from them.
Behind the scenes, it certainly wasn’t easy. “It was a real grind,” he panted during the flash interview. “I don’t know when was the last time I had to suffer this much.”
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- - I’m still learning how cyclocross works: when he says he messed up the start at the Europeans, can a bad start really make that much difference?patriciaw14-11-2026
- - Love that he’s honest about the pressure. Hopefully he can carry this form through the winter.lindae14-11-2026
- - Beating different competition is the key now. Nys is already in the mix, and Van der Poel could make the next step a much tougher one.jennifer1914-11-2026
- - About time—Mason’s been knocking on the door for years. That Niel win could really open things up for him.cadencekingm14-11-2026
- I’m still learning how cyclocross works—does leading the Superprestige mean Mason is top of that race series, rather than the World Cup? Either way, winning in Belgium sounds like a massive result.cadencekingm13-11-2026
- Calling Onley a contender for an overall Tour win already feels a bit premature, especially after the injury setbacks. Still, the depth of talent is exciting.robert6513-11-2026
- Great to see Dickson’s route from triathlon to the WorldTour getting recognition. Scottish cycling has plenty to be proud of, and the 2027 Grand Départ could give the next generation a real lift.patriciaw13-11-2026
- The article makes a good case for clubs and small teams doing the groundwork, rather than one big development pipeline. Thornley’s Vuelta time trials were seriously impressive too; missing a stage win by two seconds is brutal.davidm13-11-2026
- Mason winning in Niel is huge—beating that kind of Belgian field in the mud takes serious class. The Kelvingrove World Cup could be an unforgettable homecoming.breakawaybikerd13-11-2026
- I’m not sure how WorldTour licences work—could these reports affect whether the team gets one next year, or is that decision based on other criteria?velodromevirtuoso113-11-2026
