After two disappointing seasons, the former Ronde van Vlaanderen runner-up looking to return to the top
One of Bjarne Riis's most interesting offseason signings, Nick Nuyens, is about to embark on a critical spring campaign. The 30 year old Belgian left Rabobank for Saxo Bank/Sungard after two disappointing seasons with the Dutch outfit.
Nuyens has previously won the Omloop Het Volk , Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, and taken 2nd and 7th at the Ronde van Vlaanderen - there's no questioning his Classics pedigree. Unfortunately, when the native of Lier left Cofidis for Rabobank following his runner up finish at the Tour of Flanders in 2008, his steady rise slammed to a halt.
For 2011, Nuyens has set up camp with a team known for resurrecting the careers of talented riders, Bjarne Riis's Saxo Bank/Sungard squad.
"The last few years have not been good for me," said Nuyens to sporten.dk. "I was not happy on the bike. Bjarne believes in me, and that's very important. I've gotten a good start to the year and have had a really good feeling so far."
The Belgian has had a quiet start to his season so far, even going so far as skipping the Belgian Opening Weekend of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, both are races that he has won in the past.
The focus has been a slow, steady rise to form, and though his 52nd place overall finish at Tirreno-Adriatico doesn't indicate much, it's apparent that Nuyens was there purely for training. At least that's the hope.
Considering that his training has gone smoothly over the winter, all of his preparations have been dialed in just right, and he's perfectly content in his new team, there's no reason to think that we won't see a Nuyens like we did in 2008 - a Nuyens that was best of the rest at Vlaanderens Mooiste behind a storming Stijn Devolder.
Happiness is a key word for Nuyens right now, and if he does return to his form of old, his contentment within the Saxo Bank system will likely be a major part of his comeback.
"It's hard to explain what it is that works so well. It's many little things and details, but it's also the fact that everyone works in the same direction. You feel comfortable. Being happy is the most important thing, and now, I'm happy."
Looking back on his move from one Bank to the other, Rabobank to Saxo Bank, the 2002 Belgian U23 National Champion and U23 Ronde Van Vlaanderen winner admits that he was blown away by Bjarne from the start of the transfer process.
"Bjarne told my manager that he really wanted me in his team and saw great potential in a possible collaboration. You don't hear that often. Others would be afraid about having to pay higher salaries, but we never even discussed salary. The most important thing was that Bjarne had confidence in me."
If Riis's confidence in Nuyens wasn't enough, Fabian Cancellara's vote certainly didn't hurt either.
"He said, 'If you have the chance to ride for Bjarne, take it.' Some might ask, why did he change teams then, but sometimes you just need change."
Sometimes you just need change - that sounds about right for Nuyens. Now, it's time to show that the change was good for not only his happiness, but for his race performances as well.