Christmas is coming up and if Zdenek Stybar gets his top present on his wish list he will compete Sunday in the World Cup race in Zolder, Belgium. Even starting Monday at the Superprestige in Diegem (also in Belgium) would be a big relief, after his perfect season started to turn sour with his ongoing knee trouble.
Stybar is still uncertain if he can put his knee under the stress of competition again. "I will make a last-minute decision," the Czech rider told Sporza. For now, he is contend to be home, not revealing any details about his health issues. "I am not saying anything about my recovery process. I am currently in the Czech Republic. I will celebrate Christmas here with my family."
He won't have too much time to spare, as he is scheduled to travel to Belgium soon. "Saturday I come back, but I can't say yet if I can race."
Besides spending some quality time with his family, Stybar also attends the Czech sports gala. "I am nominated as sports person of the year," he said. He reckons that he won't walk away with the number one prize. "I can't win. Speed skater Martina Sablikova is the favorite. I am looking for a top ten finish."
In cross racing Stybar has set his goals equally low. Just being fit enough to race on Sunday would be a major accomplishment. That is a far cry from the beginning of the season where Stybar won as he pleased and led all three major competitions.
Even his hope to defend his World Championships title look fairly grim, as he keeps missing races. Stybar won't stop believing in his chance, though. Maybe he can scratch one item off his wish list on Sunday.