Styby has won the seventh stage in the Tour of Spain! Our favorite was faster in a sprint against world champion Philippe Gilbert. The peloton was only one second behind. “A very nice win is this. You do not win every day from a world champion.”

“With more than 100 kilometers to go, I asked the team leader if somebody attacked in the final, I could go with. It would be a comfortable situation for the team, because they wouldn’t have to pull for the sprint. If I failed, then we went for the sprint for Gianni Meersman or Andrew Fenn.”

Gilbert attacked in the final and Zdenek went along. “I knew the last ten kilometers were very technical, which suited me and would be difficult for the group to catch a breakaway. With the two of us we only took a second or fifteen, but that was enough.”

The stage ended with an exciting final. With one kilometer to go, Styby and Gilbert were only six seconds ahead. “I couldn’t really launch my sprint perfectly, because I felt the bunch was coming closer. I won with a few centimeters and I’m so happy!”

“I want to dedicate the victory to the team, but especially to Tony Martin. Yesterday was really painful for him and for the team because he was so close to win the stage. Tonight, for sure, we will celebrate and share this victory all together.”


Results

1. Zdenek Stybar (Cze) 04:51:27
2. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) + 0
3. Robert Wagner (Ger) + 1
4. Adrien Petit (Fra) + 1
5. Juan Antonio Flecha (Esp) + 1
6. Andrew Fenn (GBr) + 1
7. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) + 1
8. Danilo Wyss (Swi) + 1
9. Klaas Lodewyck (Bel) + 1
10. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (RSA) + 1


By on 30/08/2013