Tibaunis is barely out of the junior ranks of Cyclocross, already giving the impression that he is well beyond the Under-2 world title from May 23.

On Sunday, the 20-year-old Belgian powered away from a quality field on a gooey course in Waterloo, Wisconsin, to win the first Elite Men's World Cup race of his young career.

It was not only a solo win, but also a powerful display, with 3・time World Cup Waterloo champion Eli Iserbeat (Powell's Zausen Bingor) 16 seconds behind in 2nd place.

"It's incredible and something I'll never forget." I knew I was in good shape, but the riding so dominant is incredible," Tibaunis said after the victory.

His father Sven Nys was overcome by emotion. He watched his son race from the barrier and the two hugged emotionally shortly after Tybau crossed the line.

It was a very symbolic moment for Elder Nys, the legend of the Cyclocross with two world titles and more than 140 Cyclocross victories Who now Baloise Trek Lai

"Tears flowed on both sides. It was a wonderful moment that I will never forget," Sven Nis told the Flemish media.

"He has already become a world champion 2 times, but this is in the pro. It's another thing," Sven Nys told HLN, referring to his son's prowess at the uci Cyclocross World Championships as a junior in 2020 and last season's u23 rider.

"We're going to get him on a balanced program. As a rule, he does not ride multiple races on weekends. He's also going to lose often. What I don't particularly want to see is people comparing him to Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel. Let him try to make life difficult for men who are now at the beginning of the first. And what will happen, will happen."

It's hard not to be compared with the two current giants of Cyclocross, which have 13 Cyclocross World titles between them 2.

Tibaunis joined a world-class club as the only man to win the Elite Men's Cyclocross World Cup by the age of 21. Van der Poel won the Hooger Heide in 2015, and Van Aalto won the Coccidade 1 year ago. Van der Poel was the youngest winner to date, winning just six days after turning 20.

The Belgian rider completed his first full season on this year's road at Trek Segafredo and won the stage and point classification on the Norwegian tour.

He also won the podium of the pair in the Tour de Romandi and Tour de Hongly.

"Here in the United States, at Trek's headquarters, riding solo in line, it's one of the best days on my bike," Tibaunis said.

"I took a big step this summer and was so proud to show it last week, but I never thought I'd be here like this."

Tibaunis won last season's U23 World Cup race on his way to the Rainbow jersey. It was a great experience.

With Sunday's win in Wisconsin, he was able to switch from the blue and red colors of the Baloise Trek Lions White and red World Cup Leaders jersey. He is facing a long cyclocross season and a further 13 events are scheduled.