Grand Tour, Olympic Games and the World Championships are the three main goals for Zdenek Stybar’s 2012 season
Zdenek Stybar, who was juggling between the cyclo-cross and the road racing categories of the sport, has shown his intent to ride a Grand Tour in the 2012 season.
Stybar won the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in 2011, but could not continue his winning streak in the 2012 season.
The cyclist was eager to continue at both, the cyclo and the road racing categories of the sport, which had a negative effect on his performance.
His dipping results were a clear indication that the cyclist had to choose between the two disciplines of the sport.
Zdenek has now decided to devote his full attention towards road racing and will only ride the cyclo-cross as a preparation for the road’s event.
The 26-year-old has not started his 2012 road season yet and is currently regaining his strengths from the tiring cyclo-cross season.
While briefing about his plans, he told Cyclingnews, "I'll take a big break and then start racing at the beginning of May. In March and April I'll start doing a lot more training. Physically I'm not in bad shape but mentally I need a rest. I hope I can do a Grand Tour".
Stybar has not specified about a particular Grand Tour but it is believed that that the former World Champion might make his debut appearance at the Vuelta a Espana 2012.
The Czech is also targeting the 2012 Olympic Games and is keen to make an appearance at the road race event. He will also ride the World Championships which will complete his major goals of the year.
Riding the cyclo-cross has always been the top priority for Zdenek and, despite his deteriorating performance in the last season, he will try his legs at the event during the later part of the year.
"I'll go back to 'cross in the winter but not for a whole season, it’s difficult to predict, so we'll decide things like that closer to the time. Now it's very difficult to say," he briefed.
Stybar joined the Belgian side, Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step in 2011 and will continue his second consecutive season with the team.
Team Omega Pharma had a terrific start to its 2012 season and has already bagged as many as 14 wins in the young season.
It will be exciting to watch if Zdenek manages to find the right balance during the three-week long race of the season ahead.
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