Zdenek Stybar injured during training
The cyclo-cross world champion Zdenek Stybar will be forced to miss the Fidea Jaarmarktcross in Niel, Belgium on Thursday due to an injury suffered at his training camp in Mallorca. The Czech rider holds an overwhelming lead in UCI
cyclo-cross ranking due to a seven-race winning streak at the beginning of his season.
“It's too bad because it made good sense to come here to Mallorca to train,” said Stybar. “I've worked hard on my form and I was also able to rest as I wanted to. While doing some running exercises on the beach in Palma today I suddenly
felt pain in my lower back."
In ten races this season, the Czech cyclist has taken eight victories, plus two fourth-place finishes in his three most recent races. His most recent victory was at Belgium Superprestige Zonhoven, following his first loss at the Velka
Cena Mesta Tabora on October 28 and preceding his second at the Koppenbergcross, after which he returned to Mallorca.
"It affects me most when I run or walk. I'm not taking any risks and I'm withdrawing from the 'Jaarmarktcross' in Niel tomorrow. On Wednesday I'll be seeing my physiotherapist. Treatment from him should get me back in action for the weekend."
Stybar, the current leader of the Superprestige Series, cannot miss the next round in Hamme-Zogge on Sunday and will not risk worsening his condition in Niel.
“I really want to be back in the mix over there, but Niel simply isn't possible.”
The UCI’s updated cyclo-cross rankings released on Wednesday showed Stybar further increasing his lead. The Czech rider now holds 780 points while the second place rider, Frenchman Francis Mourey, has only 472.
In the women’s rankings, Daphny Van den Brand has moved ahead of fellow Dutchwoman Laura Van Gilder to become the new leader with 575 points. World Cup leader Sanne Van Paassen stands in second overall.
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