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Zdenek Stybar is looking time on a 12-year stint at QuickStep-AlphaVinyl and transferring on to BikeExchange-Jayco subsequent season, however the 37-year-old Classics rider nonetheless has massive ambitions for the rest of his profession regardless of latest robust seasons because of sickness and household causes.
The Czech rider is a former cyclocross world champion and perennial Classics contender, having stepped on the Paris-Roubaix podium twice earlier than and gained Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, and E3 Harelbeke.
Nonetheless, he hasn’t taken a win since 2020 and is now getting into the unknown with a brand new staff having raced his whole WorldTour street profession with QuickStep.
Chatting with Het Laatste Nieuws, Stybar stated he would “by no means cease dreaming” of massive targets with a Monument victory nonetheless in his sights as he vowed that the 2023 season could be completely different to the years simply handed.
“By no means cease dreaming. It could not sound sensible to you, however I might nonetheless actually wish to win a Monument,” he stated.
“A stage within the Giro would even be good, then I’ll have gained a stage in each main tour. And I wish to return to the Tour yet another time.
“A very powerful factor is that 2023 won’t be a 12 months like 2021 or 2022. All these setbacks, being sick so typically; if I’ve to undergo that yet another time, then it is over. Mentally that is not going to work anymore.
“I am content material. I had a really dangerous season, however now I really feel good once more. Going to a brand new staff offers a variety of motivation. I signed for one 12 months, however possibly I wish to proceed for years. It’s precisely as if time has turned again seven years. It is good to make plans once more.”
Stybar signed with QuickStep all the way in which again in 2011, ramping up his street racing within the course of. He is taken 18 wins alongside the way in which, together with the Eneco Tour and levels on the Tour and Vuelta, however his time with the staff has come to an finish after he was instructed he would not be provided a brand new contract.
He stated that he is not offended concerning the state of affairs, including that he understood why he needed to depart.
“Up to now, there would have been tears, however in the present day I am a distinct individual, extra down-to-earth,” he stated.
“My time at QuickStep was a 3rd of my life and I am grateful for that. I am not mad at Patrick or something. The older I get, the higher I understand that biking is pure enterprise. I did not carry out for 2 years, however I received paid. If that is why I can not keep, I perceive.
“Not every part has gone as hoped, however I all the time assume very lengthy earlier than making a choice. So no, I do not assume I might have made completely different selections. QuickStep is an effective reminiscence. I am particularly going to recollect the sensation within the group.
“All of the victories with Kittel and Cavendish within the Tour, or that point I crossed the end line hand in hand in Milan-San Remo with Gilbert, Lampaert and Viviani when Julian had gained. It has been good, however now it is time for one thing else, and that is good too.”
Stybar stated that he hasn’t signed with BikeExchange-Jayco simply to money a cheque, noting that his ardour for racing continues to be there regardless of a number of seasons blighted by sickness and harm.
His 2022 marketing campaign additionally introduced private tragedy and one other extraordinarily laborious spell after his spouse suffered a miscarriage within the spring.
“I’ve discovered to place issues in perspective higher,” he stated.
“However I had assist for that, I did not do it alone. I used to be on my knees in April, however my household and a few superb mates, who’re there even when issues are dangerous, have given me one other psychological increase. I additionally discovered a great psychological coach.
“I wish to proceed street biking – together with cross-country and gravel races, that’s, however not with out the street. I did not signal with BikeExchange to make some extra money. If racing turns into a interest, I might fairly put my time into my little son.”
Stybar has already began his ‘cross season, taking up 5 races together with his house World Cup in Tabor and Tuesday night time’s Nacht van Woerden, the place he completed twelfth.
He’ll be again on the ‘cross bike at Christmas, and should even journey the World Championships this 12 months, however he stated that subsequent season he’ll do extra.
“That was the final one for now,” he stated. “At Christmas, I will return for a race or six. In the event that they prove properly, I will additionally do the World Championships. However I’ve no nice ambition: cyclocross is in operate of the street. That is all preparation.
“Subsequent 12 months I am positively going to do extra crosses. Then the World Championships will likely be held in Tabor. I actually do not assume I’ll win there, however Sunday I nonetheless had the sensation I might have ridden a high 10 if I had been allowed to start out on the entrance.
“Certain, Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pidcock weren’t there, but when I begin coaching particularly subsequent winter, I ought to nonetheless carry out fairly properly.”
