Thibau Nys avoids risk with illness in Belgian hotel, sleeps at home before cyclocross world championships
Thibau Nys will not travel to the Belgian national team's hotel for the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday morning, three Belgian cyclocross riders had to report sick to national coach Angelo De Clercq. June Nothum from Luxembourg, whose team is staying in the same hotel, also fell ill. There are rumors circulating about food poisoning.
Nys is considered a medal contender in the elite men's race on Sunday afternoon and is not taking any risks. He will sleep at home from Saturday to Sunday. "The doctor suspects a viral infection," De Clercq told Sporza. The riders competing on Sunday have been given the choice to sleep at home by him. Nys has already opted for that. "Unfortunately, Zita Peeters, Julie Brouwers, and Kay De Bruyckere became ill during the night. Shanyl De Schoesitter was already sick and had not yet checked into the hotel."
In Hulst, there were also rumors that Niels Vandeputte—like Nys, one of the top Belgian medal hopefuls—was sick, but according to the coach, this is not the case. "Niels is fine and will still go out for a ride later," said De Clercq during the Junior Women’s World Championships. "I made the decision to give everyone the choice to sleep at home. They can choose what they want to do. They are welcome to go home if they prefer."
In the Sporza studio, Laura Verdonschot—who is also unwell—had contact with the sick Brouwers. "She doesn't know what she has herself." Last night (Friday), she had to vomit and fainted. If it’s that acute, it seems like it has to do with food. But we don’t know for sure." Co-commentator Paul Herygers added that he doesn't understand why the Belgian team still has two riders sharing a room. Throughout the year, riders often sleep alone, he pointed out.
