In Leuven Sven Nys had hoped to put an end to his bad period but it was not to be for the rider from Baal. Nys finished 12th. Afterwards, he was visibly disappointed. "It was bad, that's all I can say," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

"It was really not good today. I don't know what's wrong but it's nothing specific. I am simply generally poor," he added. "I have probably not recovered enough from the race in Baal. I can't do anything else but try.

"I've tried everything and it just becomes worse. I have to accept that. I am not enjoying cycling because it's annoying that nothing works. That's sport. In any case, I will be at the start of the Belgian Championships in Erpe-Mere. Unless I get sick."