Thibau Nys set to miss Ardennes Classics after knee surgery

Lidl-Trek have confirmed that Thibau Nys has undergone surgery after he had been suffering from regular knee pain and discomfort during training, as he built toward the start of his 2026 road campaign

“Lidl-Trek is pleased to share that Thibau Nys has undergone successful surgery to address prepatellar friction syndrome in the left knee,” read an official statement from the German team.

“Thibau had been experiencing knee pain on a recurring basis due to a previous impact, and recent discomfort during training ultimately prompted the decision to seek surgical intervention.”

Over the winter, Nys enjoyed a successful cyclocross campaign with numerous highlights. The Belgian scored six victories, including the defence of his Belgian title, finished runner-up in the UCI World Cup series behind Mathieu van der Poel, and was 3rd at the World Championships in Hulst before his full focus switched to preparing for the road campaign. 

Based on Nys’ provisional schedule, the Belgian was set to kick off his road season at the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain as defending champion, before tackling the Ardennes Classics. After successful surgery, this no longer looks to be the case, as the Belgian begins his recovery. 

“Thibau was treated at Herentals hospital, undergoing a partial prepatellar fasciectomy. The procedure was a success, and Thibau has now returned home to begin his recovery,” read the statement.

The 23-year-old multi-disciplined Belgian star made his debut in the Ardennes Classics in 2025, and enjoyed a strong campaign finishing 5th at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, 8th at La Flèche Wallonne, and 12th at Amstel Gold Race. 

With an estimated recovery time of at least three weeks before a return to training, it seems improbable that Nys will be fit and ready to participate in the upcoming spring classics, with the team confirming that a date for the Belgian’s return to racing will be confirmed later on. Amstel Gold Race kicks off in just over a month's time on April 19.

“A minimum of three and a half weeks of rest is required before returning to training, and a return-to-competition date will be confirmed in due course as his recovery progresses,” says Lidl-Trek. “The whole Lidl-Trek family wishes Thibau a smooth and speedy recovery.”

After making his Grand Tour debut at the Tour de France last summer, Nys is pencilled in to race the Giro d’Italia, but it remains to be seen how this surgery and his road to recovery will influence his schedule.