"I had a hard time on the last lap, it was very emotional" - Zdenek Stybar bids farewell to professional cycling

Mathieu van der Poel was crowned cyclo-cross world champion on Sunday, Zdenek Stybar finished 31st, more than seven minutes later. A big difference, but afterwards both stood together on the podium in Tábor. Three-time world champion Stybar rode the final race of his career after all.

"It was a very emotional week," Stybar said to Sporza after the podium moment. "I had a puncture on the last lap, but maybe I should be grateful for that. I had to ride slowly and was able to enjoy it a little more. It was very special and very emotional. Now it's not too bad, but I had a hard time on the last lap."

Read also

Mathieu van der Poel dominates 2024 Cyclocross World Championships and wins sixth title; Joris Nieuwenhuis and Michael Vanthourenhout seal podium

"I couldn't have wished for a better farewell than today. Maybe I could have raced another year, but I would have I couldn't wish for a better farewell than today."

In the flash interview afterwards, Van der Poel also had some nice words for Stybar. "He's a super good guy. I have trained a lot with him, so I hope he will continue cycling so that we can do some more rides together," said the world champion.

Read also

"I would have preferred him not to come but at the same time having him is fantastic" - Geraint Thomas excited about fighting with Tadej Pogacar at the Giro-Tour double

Saudi investment firm looking into a potential bid of €250 million to back the new cycling 'Super League'