Zdenek has been nominated for the sportsman of the year award in the Czech Republic. You'd think that would be a logical choice for a world champion. “Ah, it's an achievement since football and ice hockey remain the most popular sports.” Zdenek had a lot of countrymen to keep him company in his hotel last week. “Roman Kreuzinger and his father are here and the Dukla Prague team was staying in my hotel until Friday.”
Zdenek had daily contact with his girlfriend Ine in Belgium and his parents in the Czech Republic. “My father's birthday was this week and we had a long phone conversation. Next Wednesday I'll fly to Prague via Barcelona for the Sportsman of the Year presentation and to celebrate Christmas with my family too of course. I'm already looking forward to it.”
Our world champion's physiotherapist was also in Mallorca this past week. “What a great guy. He came here on his own despite his busy practice. We're slowly building up to the comeback together.”
On Friday our world champion completed his first longer training ride and was in the saddle for three hours. The rides were kept short before that. “What was previously done went well so Zdenek was able to take the next step. So longer training rides can now be completed,” according to his doctor Vincent Van Belle.