Zdenek Stybar did his first and last cyclo-cross of this season in his hometown of Essen where he had considerable support from the fans. However, he was far off the pace.

"I enjoyed it," the likable Czech told Het Nieuwsblad. "I had expected to be worse. I punctured in the final lap, otherwise I would perhaps have been fourteenth, fifteenth. I really enjoyed the applause of the spectators. I have a desire to ride again tomorrow (laughs), but I will go back to Mallorca to train for my big goals, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. I want to win. Next week we will have the first team training and we will decide what program I will follow. But I do not think that the program will change a lot for next year. I would love to do the Tour, but then I need to be in top condition."