The Czech talked about his career so far and becoming a member of the Wolfpack next year.
“Everyone that joins Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl performs and gets better, so I am really looking forward to getting to work with the guys there and hope that I can improve too.
I know some of the Czech guys that are with the team already and everybody says there is a great atmosphere and a family feel, which is key to me and will help me settle quickly. I have spent a lot of time with Josef Cerny and know him quite well – he is a funny guy and an interesting personality, but most importantly, a very, very nice guy.
Some people know me from the Giro d’Italia this year, where I took a stage and finished sixth on the general classification. I am not quite sure whether I will try to develop as a GC rider or go another way yet – it’s a conversation I will have with the team this winter. I am used to helping other riders, which is a role I enjoy, but if I have a chance, I would like to challenge myself for races.
Before I started cycling, I played ice hockey, which is the number one sport in the Czech Republic and all the guys play. My brother started doing some triathlons and I began training with him on the bike and I really enjoyed it. The freedom compared to ice hockey, where I had to be on the ice at 6 PM every day for example, was liberating.
There were not too many other Czech riders at that time. Roman Kreuziger was starting to come good and he has won some big races, which was a motivation for me to follow the sport. But I am a fan of the sport in general and I used to look up to riders from other countries too. I also know the history of this team, its winning mentality and rich heritage, and I’m excited to join them and motivated to contribute to its success.”
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