"It will be a decisive year for my career. We'll see whether I can be the leader" - Mathias Vacek about big goals for 2024, including Grand Tour debut

Mathias Vacek was one of the most promising juniors back in the day, winning European ITT Championships in 2020. Then, two years later, then 20-years-old Vacek came second at U23 road events of both World and European Championships. Now, another two seasons down the road, the Czech rider hopes to make the most important step of his career and establish himself among the world's top classic specialists, he tells WeLoveCycling.

Vacek was initially scheduled to kick off his season at Volta ao Algarve in February, but the plans have changed and the 21-year-old will kick off his season at Tour Down Under. "It was decided I would go to Australia and I agreed. The profiles suite me, and I might get a chance to ride for myself there, as we don't have a clear leader. It's always better to do a real race than just train."

The main focus remains at classics however. In past, it wasn't very clear what type of rider would Vacek become, but it now seems that he found himself at Flemish roads. "It's my absolute priority, the 2023 campaign was already decent, so now I hope for even more in 2024. A victory would be great. It will be a decisive year for my career. We'll see whether I can be the leader myself or just a domestique."

Currently the Czech National champion, Vacek hopes to nominate for the Paris Olympics road race, on a circuit that could suit him. Later in what's going to be a big year for Vacek, he should normally make a debut appearance at Grand Tour, riding Vuelta a Espana.