At the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle today, it was the end if an era as Sven Nys rode his last race. The Belgian had a remarkable career and retires from cyclo-cross with an incredible palmares.
In addition to winning the World Championships twice (in 2005 and 2013), Nys also won the World Cup overall six times in addition to 50 individual races. He won the Superprestige overall thirteen times, the National Championships nine times and the bPost Bank Trophy overall nine times.
Nys could only manage 27th today as he was hampered by bad luck when his saddle came loose. He crossed the line along with his team-mate Sven Vanthourenhout.
Nys wasn’t particularly disappointed with his position though as when he realised he couldn’t contend for a podium position, he decided to just enjoy the occasion.
“It’s over, it’s over, it’s been great,” he told Sporza afterwards. “I enjoyed it to the fullest. I felt much appreciation from the fans. So it is good to say goodbye to a very beautiful sport.”
“I am completely ready. I am a very happy man. I had prepared for this. It is what it is. I have given my whole career, 365 days a year for my sport.”
Fantastic rider.
What a legend…chapeau!