The queen's stage of the Tour of Belgium awaited the riders today. It brought the peloton over undulating roads on the way to Eupen. Styby had another good day in the saddle and was very visible throughout the stage.
“It was a tough stage,” Zdenek commented. “Things were still calm on the Muur de Huy, but after that the race broke open. We broke away with a small group that included Philippe Gilbert, Björn Leukemans and Greg Van Avermaet."
The hills that followed caused the peloton to break up into several groups. Zdenek made a good impression, attacked and rode with the best on the climbs.
But eventually a chasing group caught the leaders. That was the sign for Philippe Gilbert to force the pace yet again. “I couldn't close the gap at the top of the Mont Rigi and after that I stayed with the second group until the finish.”
Our favorite ended up finishing 12th on the day. “It was a good race, but with the unofficial start included, it was almost 220km. I think I'm ready for a little rest now.”
The windy stage to Knokke-Heist dashed any hopes of a good showing in the general classification. Yet Styby has been able to move up a number of places. He's currently 22nd overall with just one flat stage to go, but he is almost 10 minutes behind leader and stage winner Gilbert.