Beringen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Beringen, 77 young riders trained at a temporary skill park with Thibau Nys, Sven Nys, and Erwin Vervecken, while Thibau celebrated his birthday and signed autographs ahead of January’s Belgian Championship.
As VRT News reported, 77 children took part in a special cyclocross session at the skill park in Beringen, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, on Wednesday afternoon, Nov 12, 2025. They were guided by top Belgian riders Thibau Nys and Sven Nys, together with 3-time world champion Erwin Vervecken.
Who trained 77 young cyclists in Beringen with Thibau Nys and Sven Nys?
The session began with an hour of free riding, giving the children time to explore the course. They practised balance, speed, and handling obstacles. The professional riders gave tips and instructions. Children watched carefully and tried to copy their movements.
After the free riding, the children competed in friendly races on the same course. They tested their skills. Between rides, they could meet their idols and ask for autographs. Many children were eager to meet Thibau Nys, who celebrated his birthday that day.
“I was really nervous about meeting him,”
says Otis Boons.
“When I got here, I was shaking all over, but now that I’ve met him, I feel so proud and grateful that I’m experiencing this. I want to be as good as him someday!”
Fans, including Mattia Denaro, had helmets signed as keepsakes.
“It was really exciting to meet him,”
says Mattia.
“I gave him a drawing for his birthday, a special moment for me. He’s such a good cyclist. I hope I can be as good as him someday.”
“Really a nice guy.”
Fan Fons Geyskens
“He’s a really sweet guy,”
says Fons Geyskens.
“I gave him a lucky charm in the shape of a four-leaf clover. I think he liked that.”
And Fons is right about that.
“What a fantastic welcome, I feel the appreciation from the children,”
says Thibau Nys, who finished second at the European Cyclocross Championships last weekend.
“Events like this are where it all started for me, so I really enjoy doing this. The gifts I get from them for my birthday are also very nice.”
On January 10th 2026 and 11th, 2026, the Belgian Cyclocross Championships will be held at the former mine site in Beringen.
“After all the autographs and photos, I’ll take a look at the course. Who knows, I might even learn something,”
he says.
“I took my first professional victory here a few years ago. Just like back then, I expect to be able to make a difference on the climbs. That’s my strength, and that’s where it’s going to be.”
According to officials, today, Nov 12, 2025, young cyclists had the chance to practice on a temporary skill park designed to test their abilities. One professional rider, already looking forward to the championship, gave the children clear advice.
He said,
“Have fun and try not to take it too seriously. There’s plenty of time for that later. Become one with your bike and enjoy it.”
The skill park included a range of challenges for the young cyclists. They rode through a sandpit, navigated sharp turns, jumped over barriers, and faced a steep descent. Some obstacles were harder than others, and not all were easy for every rider. Despite this, the children tried each challenge with determination.
“Only a few kids dare to tackle that slope,“
says Otis.
“From a distance, it doesn’t look that steep, but when you’re standing there, it’s a bit of a shock. Some people cycled down the slope, but I turned back.”
Belgium has a long tradition of organising youth cyclocross training events across the country. In Namur, a youth session was held on 16 December 2023 for children aged 6 to 14, giving them the chance to ride on a World Cup course and learn from experienced coaches. Earlier, between 19 December 2023 and 2 January 2024, the EuroCross Academy hosted a training camp in Vorselaar for aspiring riders aged 17 to 18, focusing on skills, balance, and race preparation.
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