"Half of the team was sick" - Zdenek Stybar hopes to improve into spring classics following difficult Opening Weekend

Zdenek Stybar spent 12 years under the guidance of Patrick Lefevere before switching to Team Jayco AlUla this season, where he already feels right at home with his new team.

In January, Stybar commenced the season at Saudi Tour. However, due to the lingering effects of Covid-19, he was forced to skip Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. “Among other things. But I also had stomach and intestinal complaints. At the top of the Bosberg, I just got off course. I had to stop fighting there,” he told IndeLeiderstrui.

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He further added, “Half of the team was sick, so we were not able to ride at full strength during the Opening Weekend. Matthews will also be added, I look forward to that. And I also look forward to the moment when everyone in the team is healthy and in good shape.”

His next appearance will be in Strade Bianche, and he has decided to skip Paris-Nice this year and compete in Tirreno-Adriatico alongside his new teammates. “Of course, I still want to perform well. I did everything I could, but unfortunately, I tested positive for Covid the week before Opening Weekend. So I'm a bit behind schedule. But I hope it will work out," concluded Stybar.

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