Zdenek Stybar's knee trouble seems to finally be over, with the Czech rider targeting the Superprestige race on Monday in Diegem, Belgium, for his return. His decision means he will miss the World Cup race in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, on Sunday.
Stybar did a test on Christmas Eve and deemed himself ready to race on after the weekend. "I rode my bike Friday in the Czech Republic and I returned [to Belgium] with a very good feeling," he told Sporza. He spent the early part of Christmas with family in his native country. "It was really great and festive at my parents' and family."
His time at home and the long travel back to Belgium gave him enough time to reflect on things. "On my return to Belgium I made the decision to ride on Monday," he said. "Christmas has helped."
He kept in touch with the Belgian weather reports. "I am really happy that there is a lot of snow in Belgium. It absolutely cannot disappear," Stybar said with a smile. He is hoping for a snow race in Diegem.
Stybar's long break from injury has meant a drop to sixth place in the World Cup standings, leaving him in a difficult position to contest the overall. He is 120 points back, with the winner receiving 80 points.
Niels Albert has the best chances to take the World Cup, leading the competition with 350 points. Kevin Pauwels (301), Sven Nys (299) and Francis Mourey (290) are next in line.