Although he’s still recovering from injury, Roman Kreuziger (Astana) has been named as part of the Czech Republic team for the world road race championships later this month. Kreuziger suffered a scaphoid fracture during this year’s Tour de France and has not raced since. He has been training as per usual but has revealed that his hand is not fully recovered and that he will undergo further x-rays next Tuesday.
“I want my hand to heal completely and not rush into anything in order to avoid any possible complications on my rides. I hope it will get better in two weeks time. Then I would be able to compete at the World Championships as it has been my plan,” said Kreuziger.
“Originally, I was supposed to compete in Canada but my participation was called off due to my hand injury. I would like to ride five one-day races in Italy to build up for the Tour of Lombardy.”
However, the 25 year old was quick to reveal that should the results of next weeks tests not be favourable, he will end his season early in order to focus on next year and start afresh.
Still motivated, Kreuziger has been training with fellow countryman Frantisek Rabon (HTC Highroad) who has also been named in the worlds squad. The two have racked up 50 hours of training in the past two weeks, with Kreuziger now turning to more intensive training providing doctors give him the green light to start the world championships.
Rabon, who has signed a two year deal to join Omega Pharma-Quick Step next season, is also motivated, especially for the individual time trial.
“Tests show that I am in good shape. The focus is on diligently preparing for the championship. Every day I spend five to six hours on the bike. That is a lot in this period, but my motivation is very high,” said Rabon.
One rider who is missing from the country’s world’s list is Zdenek Stybar (Quick Step). The cyclo-cross world champion has opted instead on focusing on the cyclo-cross season, which gets underway in the coming weeks.