Etixx - Quick-Step has announced the selection that will participate in Czech Cycling Tour, a four-stage, 542.3km race held in the Czech Republic from August 13th until August 16th. 

The race opens with a 20.4km TTT in Unicov, and then features three up-and-down stages. Stage 2, 178km in total distance from Olomouc to Unicov, includes a completely flat profile from about the 135 kilometer mark until the finish line.

Czech Champion Petr Vakoc, and 2014 Czech Champion Zdenek Stybar, will both participate. Fernando Gaviria and Rodrigo Contreras will also be at the start as stagiaires. This will be the stagiaire debut with the team for Contreras.

"I can’t wait to be at the start of this race," Vakoc said. "For me it’s a unique opportunity to show my Czech champion jersey in front my public. I rode this race three times in the past, but this year of course is special as I am here with Etixx - Quick-Step.

"Probably this race will be one that suits the skills of the team. We have a TTT at the beginning, and then a very demanding 3rd Stage on Saturday. At this stage a few years ago, when I was with the development team, I was 2nd. So I have nice memores of this race, and I think we can really do well as a collective when it comes to good results."

"I raced this once in the past, but nothing compared to now," Stybar said. "I'm here this time as a former Czech Champion with Etixx - Quick-Step, a team owned by Mr. Zdenek Bakala, who is also Czech. I am really happy to be at the start.

"Of course there will be a lot of Czech flags, and the atmosphere will be great. For a Czech rider this is important. It doesn’t happen often, to come here and race in my home country.

"This of course motivates me to do my best, but I don’t know where I am in terms of my condition. I am curious to see where I am in terms of competition form, as after Le Tour I only raced at Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian. I will do my best to be a protagonist, but we will see.

"Regardless of how I feel when racing, the most important thing for the Czech cycling movement is to have our team at the start.  We are all looking forward to this race."

Line-up

Rodrigo Contreras Pinzon (COL)
Fernando Gaviria Rendon (COL)
Iljo Keisse (BEL)
Pieter Serry (BEL)
Zdenek Stybar (CZE)
Petr Vakoc (CZE)
Lukasz Wisniowski (POL)