Zdenek Stybar confirmed to return to Cyclocross this winter

Zdenek Stybar is a long-time lover of Cyclocross, and this winter he will return once again to the fields, as confirmed by the national coach of the Czech team in a recent interview.

In conversation with Holé Vrchy, Czech national coach Petr Klouček said that "there is no specific agreement with Zdeňek, but we agreed that he should definitely start in Tábor this year." The 36-year old has not raced this past winter, but with a move to Team BikeExchange - Jayco on the horizon, he will look to return to his roots. The Tábor World Cup in the Czech Republic will take place in the 23rd of October and he is expected to be a part of it already.

"What will happen later in the season will be decided depending on how well he does. He will make a program afterwards. However, he would certainly have some he wanted to ride another cyclocross," Klouček continued. "He wants to return to cyclocross at least partially. With the fact that he expects to participate in the world championship in Tábor in 2024."

Stybar was World Champion in Tábor in 2010, and also in Hoogerheide - where this year's Worlds will be hosted - in 2014. His long history with the discipline makes his comeback eagerly awaited by fans, after string of two seasons where he's only raced once. He will also favour from a rich domestic calendar in his home country, where the Toi Toi Cup will provide seven races from September into December with a high level of competition.

"The promotion of the race is probably in the first place, but on the other hand, Zdeněk will definitely not come just to participate," the coach said regarding his presence in the country's main cup. "We also have to take into account the fact that he has not ridden cyclocross for a few years and is no longer a junior."