On the first day of 2012 the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team debuted in the cycling world during the sixth race of the GVA-Trofee in Baal. World champion Zdenek Stybar started in his new rainbow jersey and a new pink Specialized bike.
On the first day of 2012 the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team debuted in the cycling world during the sixth race of the GVA-Trofee in Baal. World champion Zdenek Stybar started in his new rainbow jersey and a new pink Specialized bike. With this special pink bike Specialized celebrates the history and the future of Specialized racing, honouring the first real professional mountain bike team Team Stumpjumper who rode pink Specialized frames back in 1984.
With a new shirt and a new bike Zdenek Stybar was highly motivated to do well in Baal. The world champion took a really fast start and led the pack during the first two laps. “Maybe I started a little too fast, but I was very motivated to show the new jersey and bike. After 2 laps I lost a lot of time and places”, Stybar told after the race. The world champion dropped to an 8th place, but didn`t give up and continued his battle. In the final part of the race Stybar got back on track and started moving up. “I gave it all in the last laps to improve my position. I managed to reach the 4th place eventually, so that`s not too bad after all. Maybe I have to adjust my tactics in the race and start a little slower in the next races, so I can hang on in the front for a longer time”, Stybar concluded.
The Czech finished 4th, 1 minute and 29 seconds behind an outstanding winner Sven Nys who won the race in his own Baal for the 11th time. Kevin Pauwels and Bart Wellens were the other riders on the podium. In the overall rankings Stybar stays in 2nd place, but overall leader Pauwels increased the gap to 16 points.