‘I can't remember going this deep’ - Thibau Nys reveals brutal struggle behind third straight cross victory

"I can't remember the last time I went this deep in recent months or even years. I really had to dig deep," an exhausted Nys told Sporza after crossing the finish line.

The Belgian had every reason to be pleased with his result at the X2O Trofee in Hamme-Zogge. Racing in his European champion's jersey for the first time, he extended his unbeaten start to the cyclocross season to three races. But unlike his previous victories, this was one he had to fight for until the very last metres.

Nys was barely seen at the front for much of the afternoon. While riders such as Niels Vandeputte, Joran Wyseure and Joris Nieuwenhuis tried to make the race hard, the European champion struggled to move up and never looked entirely comfortable on the fast, dry course.

"I just didn't have the legs to get involved," he admitted. "I struggled with the high speed and technically I wasn't in the race either."

It was particularly frustrating because the conditions would normally play to his strengths.

"Normally I'm good in those dry, fast corners, but today I just didn't have it. I never really found my rhythm. I was really struggling."

Nys also revealed that he had considered changing bikes to run a lower tyre pressure, but never found a suitable opportunity to enter the pits.

"I wanted to switch to slightly lower tyre pressure, but I couldn't find the right moment to come in. So I took the gamble and stayed on the same bike."

With the race taking place at a relentless pace, nobody managed to establish a decisive advantage. Nieuwenhuis tried to force a selection in the sixth lap before Wyseure took over at the front, gradually reducing the leading group.

Eight riders were still in contention heading into the final lap, including Nys, who had done little to suggest he was about to take control of the race.

The European champion first tried to move forward near the barriers, only for Wyseure to respond. A second attempt in one of the corners proved more successful, with Nys finally getting to the front and briefly opening a gap.

Vanthourenhout quickly closed it down, while Wyseure and Vandeputte also managed to stay in contact. That left four Belgians fighting for victory in the final sprint.

Nys entered the last corner in front and had enough left to hold off Vandeputte, with Vanthourenhout taking third and Wyseure finishing fourth.

Despite the result, Nys admitted he had almost given up hope of winning.

"The sprint was still okay, but I don't know where I found that effort, because I don't think I really believed I could still win."

It was his third victory in as many appearances this winter, keeping his perfect record intact and adding his name to the list of Bollekescross winners alongside his father Sven Nys.

But there was little energy left for celebrations immediately afterwards.

"I'm absolutely exhausted," Nys said.