Nys and Brand dominate in Tábor

The 2025/26 Cyclocross World Cup kicked off this Sunday in Tabor with two races that made it clear that Lucinda Brand and Thibau Nys start the winter one step ahead of the rest. The Dutch rider dominated the women's race with her usual confidence, while the Belgian champion delivered an impeccable performance to don his first leader's jersey of the season.

Thibau Nys asserts his authority and wears the leader's jersey in the Tabor CX World Cup

The men's debut in Tabor confirmed the excellent form of Thibau Nys. The Belgian started quickly, capitalizing on a small mistake by Joris Nieuwenhuis on the first lap, and from that moment on, he set a pace that no one could match. With the ground frozen and the circuit heavy, Nys managed each turn flawlessly, gradually increasing a lead that proved insurmountable.

Behind him, Laurens Sweeck was the one who best survived the chase, securing second place after a solid race. Nieuwenhuis, who had been the first to make a move, completed the podium.

RECOMENDADO

Why Spain is the true cyclist's paradise: "It's hard to find a stretch between Valencia and Alicante where there isn't a WorldTour team"

Is it a good idea to go out for a ride with a hangover? A new study claims that it is

Alcoholic beverages with the fewest calories

All set for the start of the 2026 UCI WorldTour: complete calendar and key dates

7 reasons why a trainer is the best cycling investment

Why does Pogacar always wear lace-up shoes?

In Spanish terms, Felipe Orts achieved a 15th place after a race at a steady pace on a course that punished the slightest error. Kevin Suárez, for his part, finished 36th.

Top 10 Elite Men — Tabor CX World Cup 2025

1. Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) — 1:03:39
2. Laurens Sweeck (Crelan–Corendon) — +08s
3. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) — +10s
4. Jente Michels (Alpecin-Deceuninck Development) — +12s
5. Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan–Corendon) — +27s
6. Ryan Kamp — +28s
7. Lars van der Haar — +35s
8. Toon Aerts — +37s
9. Cameron Mason — +37s
10. Niels Vandeputte — +41s

Lucinda Brand starts the season as she ended it

In the women's race, the script was once again the usual when Brand takes the start in this discipline. The Dutch rider responded to the first serious move of the race by setting a steady pace, without sudden attacks, but high enough to stretch her direct rivals.

For much of the race, she kept pace with Sara Casasola and Inge van der Heijden, forcing the Crelan duo to look for the moment to break her dominance. It didn't come. In the last lap, Brand increased her pace, dropped Casasola, and opened a small decisive gap to start the season with a victory.

Casasola finished second, and Van der Heijden completed a podium that reflects the excellent start of both riders.

Top 10 Elite Women — Tabor CX World Cup 2025

1. Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) — 45:13
2. Sara Casasola (Crelan–Corendon) — +01s
3. Inge van der Heijden (Crelan–Corendon) — +13s
4. Leonie Bentveld — +25s
5. Aniek van Alphen — +30s
6. Kristýna Zemanová — +32s
7. Amandine Fouquenet — +52s
8. Marion Norbert Riberolle — +1:14
9. Hélène Clauzel — +1:25
10. Denise Betsema — +1:27

The Cyclocross World Cup now moves to France to compete in the Flamaville race next week. Here you can check the complete calendar.