Despite a fast start, Sven Nys was off the pace in the heavy World Cup race in Namur. The veteran briefly considered abandonment but completed the race and finished eighth. "This was my worst race of the season and actually I felt it coming."

Sven Nys didn't have a nice afternoon at the Citadel of Namur. He realized it during the rac and afterwards was honest about it. "I thought about withdrawing, it went from bad to worse," he told Sporza.

"I suffer from a tired back and feel miserable on the bike. I almost came to a standstill and thought a lot of riders were passing me. This was my worst weekend of the year.

"I know myself too well. I had predicted it, and it was true. I now urgently need a rest the next few days to get ready for what is to come. It will be difficult to even get on the podium."

It was a tough week for Nys, who announced that he will take over Telenet-Fidea from March 1. But he does not want to use that as an excuse. "I have to perform, I have to turn things around."