Thibau Nys (Baloise Verzekeringen-Het Poetsbureau Lions) opened his 2026-27 cyclo-cross season with a victory at Koppenbergcross, overcoming Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) after a fierce battle in the opening round of the X2O Trofee in Oudenaarde.

After crashing halfway through the race and falling 30 seconds behind, the Belgian champion, rocking red shorts, fought his way back to the front, catching Vanthourenhout by the start of the final lap. The pair traded attacks over the demanding course before heading into a dramatic drag race up the iconic, steep cobbled Koppenberg.