The defending champion skipped the final round of the World Cup in Nommay, specifically to focus his training on defending his jersey in Hoogerheide. A two-time winner – having also collected the rainbow stripes in 2005 – Nys is a legend of the sport, with the De Kannibaal having repeatedly won the biggest prizes in the sport – including an unprecedented Grand Slam in 2005.

And while his form in 2013/14 has been a little patchy at World Cup level, he proved he is still among the strongest riders on the circuit by winning the Belgian National Championships against an elite field of his compatriots, and he is well-placed atop the overall Bpost Bank Trofee Classication having won four of the six rounds. He also trails compatriot Niels Albert by just six points in the overall Superprestige standings as he bids for a 13th title in 16 years.

On his day, Nys is simply unstoppable and with team-mates Kevin Pauwels, Tom Meeusen, Niels Albert, Klaas Vantornout, Rob Peeters and Bart Wellens all equally capable of victories themselves – Albert and Wellens are both two-time champions – he certainly has the backing to record a third career victory.