Zdenek Stybar opens a new chapter after 12 years of Quick Step. The 37-year-old rider will race in the colors of the Australian team Jayco-AlUla from this year. “The Cyclocross World Cup next year in the Czech Republic could be a farewell,” says the Czech.
“Was a bit nervous after 12 years of Quick Step”
After 12 years at Quick Step, Zdenek Stybar has had to look elsewhere. The Czech will represent the Australian formation Jayco – AlUla from this year onwards.
“I quickly got used to the new environment. The colors already help”, Stybar laughs with relief.
“I was a bit nervous about starting with another employer, but it’s going much better than I expected.”
What ambitions does Stybar have for the new season? “I want to stay healthy above all,” he replies with a smile. “And then I will still race well, although I do not know where I am at the moment.”
“I also know that I haven’t ridden finals for a while. That’s why I don’t set goals such as winning the Tour of Flanders.”
“Of course I want that, but Michael Matthews is our number 1. I am no longer used to racing as a leader.”
Stybar is more likely to play the role of road captain at Jayco. “I want to help the young people in the team. Send them and determine the course tactics,” he clarifies.
“Nobody expects big wins from us. That can help.”
Zdenek Stybar: “Michael Matthews is our leader, not me.”
“Cardiac arrhythmias just before my dream race: the Tour”
With the E3, the Strade Bianche, the Omloop and stages in the Tour and the Vuelta, Zdenek Stybar has some nice races to his name.
“I don’t want to say that I expected more. Maybe I had bigger goals,” says the sympathetic Czech about his road career.
“In 2018 and 2019 I was well on my way. 2020 was supposed to be my year, but then the corona virus came. Everything went wrong from the Tour.”
Two years ago Stybar had to deal with cardiac arrhythmia. “At a very bad time, just before my dream race: the Tour of Flanders,” Stybar recalls.
“I had one of my best conditions and could have finished very close. That time will never come back.”
I had one of my best conditions and could have finished very close in the Tour. That time will never come back.
Tabor 2024 and Paris 2024
After two unlucky years, there was no place for Zdenek Stybar at Quick Step.
“When I heard that it was the end of the story for me, I still had a sweat attack. Which team would still want me? I feared the end of my road career then,” he admits.
“I immediately started making plans and wanted to set up my own team. To cross and gravel for another two years.”
For now, Stybar will continue to focus on the road. When he puts an end to it, he doesn’t know yet.
Will the Cyclo-cross World Championships end in the Czech Republic next year? “That could be a goodbye,” replies Stybar. “That’s why I wanted to cross a lot during the Christmas period this year. To know what I have to work on.”
“I would also like to experience the Olympic Games in 2024. My son and my family can be there in Paris.”
“A nice goal, because I still like racing very much. Only when I start to suffer more than enjoy, do I think it has been good,” Stybar concludes.
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