Zdenek will not be racing any cyclocross race in December and January. Our world champion still suffers from the injury he sustained during the cyclocross in Ardooie in October. “This is an emotional decision”, said Styby.
“When I took the decision I was almost emotional because it’s the first time in years I have to give up cyclocross. But to be honest, right now the conditions for taking on this type of competition just aren’t there. I’m still recovering from the shoulder injury. The rehabilitation is going well, but the pain in my shoulder isn’t entirely gone. I can work out on the road if I avoid holes and rough asphalt, but I still can’t carry the bike on my shoulder or perform other essential technical maneuvers necessary for a cyclocross event. Cross races are very skill dependent and you need complete control of your bike. Because of the injury, my training also got off to a late start and on top of it all, I still can’t exercise at the gym or do the core stability sessions. This is why, with a heavy heart, I have to give up cyclocross.”
“I’m really very sorry, especially for the fans who always support me in the races, and for my cyclocross crew, for years with whom I’ve been sharing the joys and the efforts of the races," Styby continued. "Everybody knows how much I love this sport, but obviously the risk of compromising my rehabilitation and winter training is too big.”
Zdenek also commented on the possibility of his presence at the World Championships, which are to be held in Tabor on the 1st of February. “I think it will be very difficult for me to be at the start," Styby said. "If the race had been held in another country I would have already withdrawn. The fact is that the race will take place in Tabor, in my own Czech Republic. That is where I became a World Champion for the first time and I have the most extraordinary memories from that circuit. It’s the pick of my career so far. However, the decision is being postponed until the middle of January, and will depend a lot on how I feel and how my shoulder is doing. At this moment the chance to be at the start is very small.”