Deceuninck – Quick-Step team launch new season in Calpe

The Deceuninck – Quick-Step cycling team, owned by Zdeněk Bakala and under the guidance of manager Patrick Lefevere became one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. Now in its 17th season, it has amassed an astonishing 675 UCI victories and last year won the prestigious title of Best Team in the UCI World Tour series. The team arrived at their training camp in Calpe, in early January and held a presentation for the media and sponsors. Some 70 journalists representing a wide range of media and countries arrived in the training camp. During the morning training session, journalists watched from accompanying scooters and cars to see how the team was coping with the local hills. Czech riders Zdeněk Štybar and Petr Vakoč made an appearance to demonstrate their current cycling form. In the afternoon, the team members gave interviews, responding to questions such as “How many victories do you intend to achieve this year?”. Team CEO Patrick Lefevere provided a signature composed, experienced, and brief answer: “We hate losing!”  Patrick and team owner Zdeněk Bakala expect to match last year’s fantastic season thanks to new additions to both the team and its sponsors. The team is entering the new season with 25 riders of 14 nationalities and an average age of 27 years. Awaiting them are 70 races and 259 racing days, during which they will “consume” 400 bicycles, 750 cycling jerseys, and 27,000 water bottles.

Zdeněk Štybar is expected to assume the role of one of the biggest stars of the team, with his performance contributing to more team victories.  Following a collision with a truck in January last year, Czech rider Petr Vakoč is facing a somewhat different challenge. After three spine surgeries and complicated year-long recovery, he is back with the team. His first race is scheduled to take place on January 27th in Argentina. Team management supported him during his ordeal and renewed his contract for the upcoming season. During the presentation in Calpe, Patrick  said: “He was a great talent, and we still believe in him.” Petr Vakoč commented on this difficult period by saying: “I am happy to be still alive, to be able to return to the sport and soon also to start racing again. All this time, I could rely on Patrick and the whole team, and that helped me to make it back. I am really looking forward to the first race.” One more Czech cyclist was invited to join the training in Calpe – great junior talent Karel Vacek. His results drew the attention of Patrick Lefevere and his sports director and they intend to monitor Karel’s performance  during his stint in Calpe. Only time will tell if this eighteen-year-old cycling talent will put on the blue jersey of the Deceuninck – Quick-Step family. As stated by the new title sponsorship partner: “You are not a team. You are a family. You win together, you lose together, and this is worth more than a hundred victories.”