The three-time cyclo-cross World Champion will line-up for the 50th edition of the Grand Prix Rouwmoer, which will take place on Saturday, December 5th.
Zdenek Štybar will be one of the top names at the start of the race, which will be his sole one during the cyclo-cross season, in a town he considers to be his second home: "After the Boonen and Friends Charity Event, I talked with my team and agreed that I wouldn't do any cyclo-cross event this season, except Essen, and instead turn my attention to road training prior to the next season. If I compare my condition with the one I had last year I have to say that I'm a little bit behind schedule, which was obvious also last week-end in the Boonen and Friends Cyclo-cross. For me it's a tough decision, because everybody knows how much I'm fond of this discipline, but I don't want to race a cyclo-cross calendar without being in good condition, because it would be disrespectful for the organizers and the fans. I'm glad to ride Essen and meet my supporters there, as I have some great memories from this race and many friends there. Then, after Saturday, I will focus on my preparation for the road season joining my team in Denia for the first training camp of the season."