Following yesterday's disappointment, Zdenek performed much better in the second stage of the Tour of Belgium. Our world champion showed himself a number of times and worked for team leader, Tom Boonen in the finale.
“I got a lot of advice from Tom.” Styby said after the stage. And that was evident. Our favorite was able to keep up with the best riders and was Philippe Gilbert's shadow on the tough hills. He was the last one able to follow the Belgian on the day's final difficult climb.
A lead group of about 10 riders formed with 22km to go. Styby did his part in the group because Boonen was with him. However, the depleted peloton caught up with them in the streets of Ypres and it would be a sprint finish.
Zdenek stayed in the peloton and finished the day in 21st. The win went to Aidis Kruopis. “I felt ok. Tomorrow is the queen stage. It's 202km through the Ardennens. Hopefully the legs will be good.”