Sven Nys has been dominating many of the season-long events, such as the World Cup or the Superprestige, for years. But when it comes to the World Championships, he usually misses out on the top spot. His only cyclocross World Championships title came in 2005, in Sankt Wendel, Germany. With the race held on the same course - minus the snow - in 2011, many expected an in-form Nys to add a second rainbow jersey.
But Zdenek Stybar had gambled after a knee injury that kept him out of the important part of the season. The Czech rider's risky preperation paid off for him and he beat Nys into second place. "No, I am not disappointed," Nys said after the race. "The best guy won." Nys had no answer to Stybar's decisive attack. "That was one explosion too many." But after Stybar's race-winning surge, Nys recovered well and held the gap consistently at the 20-second margin.
The Belgian admitted that even if he didn't have bad luck on the day, he would have finished second. "I flatted, but that cost me maybe five to six seconds." He reminded everyone on the age difference. "I am 34, he is 24 - I am ten years older." Nys had no regrets about the way he raced on Sunday. "I did everything I could and raced a perfect race - I did my maximum today."
Since Nys brought up the age factor, the question about his possible retirement was fair enough. But the Belgian has no such plans. "I signed a contract until the end of the 2014 season. That's a long period." He added that he is still enjoying the competition very much and has no lack of motivating himself to show up at the start line or go out training.
Despite a slow start to the season, he remains one of the most successful and consistent cyclocross riders in the world. "This season there were only five times when I was not on the podium," he said. "From the level of form I have you don't see my age. I was the second strongest today."
His long-running contract will give him at least three more chances to try to win another World Championships. But even if he fails that, he remains one of the most successful cyclocross riders ever. Seven is the magic number for Nys. He has won seven World Cup overalls, seven GvA Trofees victories and became Belgian Champion seven times. Only the World Championships (once) and the Superprestige (nine overall wins) stand out. A second Worlds title would surely be more than just a consolation prize for Nys.