Zdenek Stybar: Everything fell into place today
Mar 03 2019 06:32 am CET
Deceuninck-Quick-Step
Deceuninck-Quick-Step's Zdenek Stybar became the first rider from the Czech Republic to win a cobbled classic by taking the victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Stybar was part of the group of favourites that rode in front of the race in the last part of the competition. With two kilometres to go, the former Cyclocross World Champion launched a strong attack that nobody could match and that gave him a solo victory,
"Finally it happened and I could finish it off in a cobbled classic!" the rider commented euphorically. "The feeling is really nice, the form is good and the team has confidence in me, which is so important; everything fell into place today and I am so happy with what I achieved, that I can't put it into words-
"The race was different than last year because we had a tailwind in the second part and this helped. The real race started on the Molenberg and we worked well together, even on the Muur and Bosberg, believing we could make it to the finish line. Initially, I was waiting for the sprint, but with two kilometres left I felt it was the right moment to go and thus went full gas."
Stybar is enjoying a top form that he also showed at the Volta ao Algarve, where he won the fifth stage. "I have the same motivation as last year, I have always kept believing I could come back and win big races, especially as my winter preparation went well," he explained.
"From the team car, Tom Steels told me how much confidence they had in me and that I had what it took to finish it off. The attitude of this team is unique, the support you receive is tremendous and nobody calls himself a leader; we all work together for the same goal because we are the Wolfpack, and that's why we are so successful."
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