For the first time in his career, Zdenek Stybar has been voted Rider of the Year in the Czech Republic. The cyclo-cross world champion and national road champion achieved numerous successes and podiums in top races. "I'm very proud," said the Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider who will also remember 2014 for his two big crashes.

Zdenek Stybar won the prize of being Czech Rider of the year ahead of Leopold König and Jaroslav KulhavY. Riding for NetApp-Endura, König was seventh in the Tour de France and will join Team Sky for 2015. Kulhavy is one of the best mountain bikers and won the Marathon World Championships in the summer.

In the Czech Republic, however, many had even higher expectations for Stybar ahead of 2014. The Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider took top 10 results in Paris-Nice and the Dauphiné, was seventh in Milan-Sanremo and fifth in Paris-Roubaix.

He won a stage in the Eneco Tour which he had to leave after a heavy crash in Ardooie. When he had recovered from his injuries, he managed to win the Memorial Frank Vandenbroucke. His season ended badly in a cyclo-cross race – again in Ardooie – where he destroyed his shoulder ligaments.

In his home country, he took the bronze medal in the time trial championships and gold in the road race. Most importantly, he won the rainbow jersey in cyclo-cross when he beat Sven Nys in a thrilling battle in Hoogerheide.

Stybar literally got a crown on his head at the ceremony. 

"It has been very difficult to choose a rider of the year after a successful year for Czech cycling. I am proud that I have been named,” he said.