One minute penalty not enough to hold back former World champion against field of road riders
Zdeněk Štybar (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) followed in the wheeltracks of fellow former cyclocross World champion Lars Boom, as he won the fourth edition of the Tom Boonen and Friends charity cyclocross at Zilvermeer, Mol, near Antwerp. Štybar - as the big cyclocross specialist of the field of road riders - was held back a minute at the start, in order to give the others a chance, but this was not enough to deny the 26-year-old Czech - who is still his country’s national champion - and he beat 2009 winner Maarten Wynants (Rabobank), with Pieter Vanspeybroeck (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator) third.
The event, organised by Boonen and Omega Pharma-Quick Step directeur sportif Wilfried Peeters, raises money for the charity Move to Improve, which helps children with neuromotor problems.
"I'm amazed that it went so smoothly," Štybar said in Het Laatste Nieuws. "I am only just beginning my cyclocross training.
“I rode as a build up towards the race in Essen, where I should make my first appearance in competition, but that is currently up in the air. We still haven’t reached a financial agreement, and if we do not reach one, is will not be Essen [on December 22nd] but the World Cup in Zolder [on December 26th] that will be my first cross; then I will ride them all until Baal [on January 1st]. The Czech championship will then be my last cross.”
Boonen himself was unable to participate, since he was still suffering from the gastro-enteritis that saw him miss the Omega Pharma-Quick Step bootcamp.
"I did all I could to be present today, but I had a few terrible days," Boonen said. "I lost also few kilos and I went also to the hospital for further checks. I know how much all the organisation worked to prepare the cyclocross and the charity auction, but I'm still very weak and the risk to get sick again is too high in this moment. I had to stay at home a few more days, and recover as best as I can prior to the first training camp.
“I really would like to thank all the guys who participated today in the cyclocross race, and the whole organi”ation,” he added. “They were great and I hope tonight they can raise more funds to help Move to Improve."
Result
1. Zdeněk Štybar (Cze) Omega Pharma-Quick Step
2. Maarten Wynants (Bel) Rabobank
3. Peter Vanspeybroeck (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator