On Friday, Sven Nys will be at the start of his own GP Sven Nys (Bpost Bank Trofee) for the final time. The Balenberg will more than ever be too small for the final goodbye to the local hero. The record holder looks ahead to the event.

Twelve wins in sixteen editions. That's the impressive balance for Nys in his own Grand Prix: "Why is that? It's just a course that's completely made for me. There's no race that I have won as many times as my own great grand prix. For me, two editions stand out. I remember a very exciting battle with Stybar. I do not remember exactly what year that was. And then my last victory when I lifted my brand new Trek Boone to the sky at the finish line (2014, ed.)," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

Will the goodbye be more important than the sport on Friday? "The atmosphere is great and I'm really looking forward to it, but the sport will still prevail. I am eager to deliver a good performance in my last race in Baal. My level in Diegem has boosted me again. It is a very busy period and I feel stronger."

The double world champion realizes that Friday can be an emotional day. "I'm obviously focused on a good performance, but I will certainly enjoy it. I am very curious to experience the atmosphere on Balenberg. And I'm sure that a solid party will be held afterwards. But that will still go a bit beyond me."

In the standings of the Bpost Bank Trofee, Van Aert has a comfortable lead of 4'19" over Kevin Pauwels. Nys is third at 7'57 ". In the women's classification, Sanne Cant leads. The European champion has a bonus of 1'46" over Jolien Verschueren and 3'38" on Helen Wyman. Daan Hoeyberghs is the leader in the U23 classification. Quinten Hermans is second at 39 seconds.

The course will change

Due to the construction of the Sven Nys Cycling Centre (above the Balenberg), the riders will be led onto the climb a little earlier than usual The descent of Balenberg, half a lap later, comes earlier than usual and the riders will descend onto a plain section where the audience will have an optimal view of an additional giant screen.

Program:

10.00: Debutants 
11.00: Juniors 
12.00: U23 
13.45: Women
15.00: Men