Zdenek Stybar (Quick Step) will take the start of the cyclocross race in Ardooie, just outside Roeselare, Belgium, as he searches for form ahead of the weekend’s World Cup opener. The World champion won the race last year, but is currently struggling for race fitness after taking time off recently with a slight knee injury.
“The race will be one more step on the way to the two World Cup competitions scheduled for the next two weekends in the Czech Republic,” explained Stybar. “It will be an important race for me to get back into a racing rhythm.”
‘Styby’ returned to competition at the Superprestige series opener in Ruddervoorde, Belgium, on Sunday. He took the lead with Rabo-Giant’s Bart Aernouts, who he beat into second place in the same race last year, but was unable to sustain his pace and eventually faded to sixth place at the finish.
“After Sunday’s race I did two important workouts on Monday and Tuesday,” he said. “Today I recuperated to prepare for tomorrow’s race. I’m still not in the shape I’d like to be in but I’m improving. On Sunday in the Czech Republic I’m going to try to give it my all for my fans and to honour the race, as of course I will tomorrow at Ardooie.”
The World Cup starts on Sunday with the Plzeň round, which Stybar won last year as he took an early lead in the series. This will be followed by the World Cup’s return to Tábor, the venue of the 2010 World Championships, for the first time since 2009.
With two races in the Czech Republic to start the season-long competition, Stybar will certainly hope that the home field advantage will be enough to make up for any current dip in form.