Despite being crowned 2014 Cyclcross World Champion, Zdenek Štybar has been mainly focused on road racing for the past few seasons. His recent palmarès include winning probably the most gritty one-day road race, Strade Bianche earlier this year, as well as taking second overall at Paris Roubaix in April.
Along with some other pro road and ‘cross stars, Štybar participated in the Boonen and Friends charity cyclocross event this past weekend in Mol, Belgium, but that was far from a point-awarding race. Štybar is choosing to focus all of his training and energy on the upcoming road season, but a press release from his Etixx-Quick Step team states he’s indeed going to line up in Essen, Belgium on Saturday for the start of the Grand Prix Rouwmoer. Though Štybar is from the Czech Republic, he considers Essen his second home, as he lived in the area for many years when he raced cyclocross. “I’m glad to ride Essen and meet my supporters there, as I have some great memories from this race and many friends there.”
But after the Essen race, his full attention will be the road. “Then, after Saturday, I will focus on my preparation for the road season joining my team in Denia for the first training camp of the season.”