Thibau Nys wins an incredibly exciting World Cup cyclocross race in Dendermonde

Pure cyclocross was on display at the Dendermonde World Cup race, where a rather dry circuit led to a group race with constant changes that was decided in the final lap by Thibau Nys, who proved to be the most aggressive at the decisive moment.

Close combat in Dendermonde won by Thibau Nys on points

When the circuits are not selective by themselves, we often find another type of cyclocross, where strength and the natural selection that occurs during the race turn this sport into a dogfight where every position counts and a mistake is costly.

Such was the World Cup cyclocross race held in Dendermonde, where a circuit that usually features mud became a fast track due to the lack of rain in recent weeks.

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A race in Dendermonde where Felipe Orts also wanted to be a protagonist, breaking away in the second lap and trying to create a gap with a brave move. In fact, it was Thibau Nys himself who had to take the lead in the chase to prevent the Alicante rider from consolidating his gap and causing an upset.

From there, the various proposals from the main contenders followed. Nys, Van Aert, Van Thourenhout, all sought the lead at some point, trying to evade the watchful eye, but with the tremendous speed at which the race was unfolding, it became an impossible task, and regroupings happened quickly.

Having stayed sheltered, in the last two laps, the leader of the World Cup, Laurens Sweeck, took the lead and tried to defend himself with a strong attack. A devastating pace that hurt at the front and forced Thibau Nys to give 110% of himself during a memorable final lap where he had to look for overtaking in every corner and every rise until, in one of them, he finally managed to reach the front and create a few meters that would ultimately prove decisive.

Tibor del Grosso would try to catch Nys after also surpassing Sweeck, but his reaction came too late, and although both stood out in the last corners of the circuit, the effort he had to make left him with no chance to contest the sprint. Notable race from Felipe Orts, who defends himself wonderfully on these fast tracks, but ultimately found the last lap long and had to settle for a commendable 8th place.

In any case, Laurens Sweeck's third place allows him to maintain the lead in the World Cup, now threatened by Thibau Nys, just 3 points behind, and by Michael Vanthourenhout, whom he leads by 19 points.

World Cup Cyclocross Standings – Dendermonde

1. Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) 1h01’29”
2. Tibor del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) +02”
3. Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon) +05”
4. Emiel Vestrynge (Crelan-Corendon) +06”
5. Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck) +08”
6. Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) +08”
7. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) +12”
8. Felipe Orts (Ridley) +15”
9. Mees Hendrikx (Heizomat-Cube) +25”
10. Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens) +34”