Sven Nys, the current world cyclo-cross champion is of the opinion that only a handful of cross racers have the capability of enjoying very successful road careers and the young Zdenek Stybar is definitely one of them.

The relatively ‘new boy on the road’ Stybar was all set to win ‘Hell of the North’ had he not unfortunately collided with a spectator with just 15 km of the stretch remaining. Though the collision signaled the end of the race for Stybar, Nys believes that Stybar’s racing style perfectly suits the cobbled road races which are plenty in number during the former half of the riding season.

Talking to Nieuwsbald, Nys said that though Stybar lacks in terms of experience, he can push the limits like no other rider. He further said that though former cross star Lars Boom was a much more talented road racer, Stybar is a ‘maniac’ and this was the reason why he thought Stybar would be up there.
Stybar, who is a two-time ‘cross World Cup and also the winner of World Championship, seems perfectly at ease on the road. In 2012, he won a stage at Four Days of Dunkirk and finished overall second and followed it up with stage win at Tour of Poland later on in the season. Stybar had started his full time career in the year 2012 and it was quite an impressive inaugural year for the 27 year old.

About Stybar, Nys further said that he thought Stybar lived like a priest who thought of nothing else much other than cycling. Nys said, “I train in Mallorca and I don’t think that it will be very long before I see him there. That is where several classic riders train and live”.

“I saw Stybar grow over the season and I think he is ready for the Paris-Roubaix, a race that suits him perfectly”, Nys added.