Riders without contracts like Stybar victims of super merger? "Very strange situation"

Stybar's year was predominantly defined by surgery on a narrowing of his pelvic artery, a condition that affects several riders during their careers. This condition also served as an explanation for his lackluster performance in the spring. "After examinations, it became evident that this was the cause, which was the explanation I had been seeking. It clarified why I had been underperforming for three years, and I promptly decided to undergo the operation, lest my career come to an end," he recalled at the time.

Several months later, the outlook hasn't improved significantly for the amiable rider. "How am I doing? Not well," he promptly responded to our initial question. The reason? COVID-19. "I had the artery surgery, following which I couldn't race for four months. During that period, I trained rigorously, and then I participated in the Renewi Tour via the Arctic Race of Norway. I believe I raced the last two stages with COVID-19, which made me feel really unwell. Subsequently, I hardly trained for three weeks: one day of training followed by one day of rest. My fitness has deteriorated significantly," he explained.

There is no immediate prospect of improvement, as the pragmatic Czech rider indicates. "I may have participated in Paris-Chauny, the Münsterland Giro, and the Elfstedenrace, and I'm heading to China next week. However, my legs and overall condition are currently poor. It's unfortunate, but sometimes things unfold this way. It's beyond one's control," noted Stybar, who hasn't yet finalized his plans for the upcoming cyclocross winter. "Upon my return from China, I will decide what I want to do for the cyclocross season. I'm inclined to participate, especially since the World Cup will be held in Tábor. That would be a meaningful goal for me."

As he heads into 2024, the former winner of Strade Bianche and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad still faces uncertainty. "My contract is expiring, and it's going to be very difficult. This situation doesn't really help me. I would like to achieve another result, and I'm going to try, so I'll keep fighting. But it's challenging."

The uncertainties surrounding his former team, Quick-Step, do not provide any relief either. If any riders become available there, it won't be advantageous for riders seeking contracts, like Stybar. "Of course, it's a very unusual situation. For Quick-Step, it might be unfortunate because what has been built over the years might crumble. But sometimes you can't halt such an evolution. There will undoubtedly be a business model behind it, with people like Zdenek Bakala involved," he pointed out, referring to his compatriot.