The fourth stage of the Tour of Belgium was an individual time trial. And so our favorite was able to get out his time trial bike for the first time since last year’s Eneco Tour. Zdenek put in a solid performance and finished 23rd.
Tony Martin, one of Zdenek’s Omega Pharma-Quick Step teammates, was the favorite to win the stage and he didn’t disappoint. The time trial world champion had a great showing as he rode between Turnhout and Arendonk. Zdenek finished a bit more than two minutes behind Martin in the 20 kilometer stage.
“I feel like I’ve improved,” he said afterwards. “But I also feel I have a whole lot of work ahead of me.” The fifth and final stage of the tour is a difficult one through the Ardennens and Styby will be looking to help Martin defend his leader’s jersey.