Strong statement from Stybar: "Write it down: for me, he is the successor of Van Aert and Van der Poel"

Stybar still very much enjoys cyclo-cross. "I honestly admit that I find the races this season very exciting. The fact that there are many different winners is good for the sport. We didn't know who would win the last round in Dublin last weekend. When Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert return, the tension will be gone, especially if they reach the level of past winters," he expects.

"Everything has advantages and disadvantages because you get more spectators with them there. Apart from that, I don't know what Mathieu's exact plans are. I haven't seen him, but he will be at the top immediately. His basic level is so high," said Stybar, who has cycled regularly with the Dutch cyclo-cross world champion.

Stybar himself fought the necessary duels with Sven Nys, whose son Thibau is the current European cyclo-cross champion. "He can share his passion with his son. I'm a bit jealous of Sven, though. He can pass on his experience and enjoy all his son's victories up close. This belongs to him and his son. For Sven, that must be wonderful."

"I've known Thibau since he was very young: jumping with his bike, riding around the cyclo-cross courses, testing all the downhill sections repeatedly ... It's extraordinary to see that that little boy from back then is now one of the best cyclists in the world, also on the road," the Czech said.

"What Thibau showed on the road in 2024 is unbelievable," Stybar continued. "He will be one of the best riders in the world. Write this down: for me, he is the successor to Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. Thibau still has progress to make. Of course, he must also be able to mentally handle the pressure at the top level. Reaching the top is one thing; staying at the top is another. But Sven, who has so much experience, will be able to correct and assist him in difficult moments," he expects.