World cyclocross champion Zdenek Stybar switched to the road with Quick Step this year after another successful cyclocross season. The Czech rider took part in his first race in May at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque. While the race was dominated by Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), Stybar did very well to join the Frenchman on the podium, finishing third overall.
He then carried on progressively supporting the team at races in France, Belgium and Switzerland before finishing in the top ten in both the road race and time trial at the Czech Republic national championships. Speaking to VeloNation this week, Stybar said that he is enjoying his experience on the road so far. “I like it very much,” he enthused. “It is a great experience. I have met a lot of new people which is really great.”
Stybar is clear on what has been the biggest adjustment to road cycling. “I think it was the speed. They can ride really hard. On the other hand, the more races I have done the better it went.”
The 25 year old has just returned from a high altitude retreat and will get his second half of the season underway at the Eneco Tour on Monday. Quick Step director Wilfried Peeters said Stybar will be one of the captains on the team along with Dries Devenyns, aiming for overall victory.
“The race will feature two tests against the clock, an opening prologue of 5.7 kilometres and a 14.7 kilometre time trial in Roermond, Holland. These two stages will also be important for the general classification, so athletes like Stybar and Devenyns will have to give it their all in order to not lose too much terrain on the specialists,” said Peeters.
At the end of the road season, Stybar will return to the cyclocross circuit where he will do nearly a full season. His contract with Quick Step runs till 2013 so the road will once again await the multitalented cyclist. However it is unknown at this stage whether his commitment to the road will be long-term.
“That's really difficult to predict. It'll be very important how next year goes,” he said, explaining that his decision will be based on that outcome. However given that he is already up to speed in his first road season, it’s reasonable to expect that 2012 will be even better for him. He’ll begin next year with a season of road races in his legs, and will be in a better position to challenge for the Classics and other races.
At this point in time, it is unknown whether Stybar is on the list to ride the Vuelta a España, which begins later this month. He’s clear of his Grand Tour ambitions, though. “Yes, for sure,” he said, when asked if he wanted to take part. “ It's my dream to do it.”