"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."

"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.