Zdenek Stybar: A Misstep for Quick-Step?

Copyright Team Quick-Step/Tim De Waele

Here’s this morning’s Press Release from Quick-Step, officially welcoming new-signee Zdenek Stybar:

As of today, Zdenek Stybar is a rider for the Quick-Step Cycling Team. The strong Czech rider is the reigning world champion in cycle cross, and he posed exclusively for the team in his new jersey, under the studious eye of team photographer Tim De Waele.

“As of today I’m officially an integral part of the team” said Stybar “After a period of rest, these next few days I’m going to start training on the road. To wear this jersey, even just for the photo shoot, was very exciting. I can’t wait to wear the team colors on the road, too. I’m going to start competing in the month of May. My main goal in this first year on road will be to understand how to act on asphalt. I’ve got a lot to learn but fortunately I’m on a major team, surrounded by athletes and staff with tons of experience that are going to help me on this journey.”

For the occasion Stybar also posed in his new cyclocross World Champion’s jersey, the title he won just a few weeks ago at Sankt Wendel (GER), at the end of a spectacular race.

“In addition to road racing, I’m also going to be competing in the cyclocross season, where I can wear my champion’s jersey. We still haven’t worked out an official schedule, but I think I’ll be able to combine both activities well. If I manage my training right I can be competitive in cross, and as of next year, on the road, too.”

What are your thoughts on Stybie’s new venture? He has virtually no results to speak of on the road—has the Czech done enough—in your opinion—to warrant such a move?

Share your comments below.