Special collection: Thank You Štyby
A collaboration with Czech cycling legend Zdeněk Štybar celebrates his unique way of thanking his friends, family and fans for all the support he’s received throughout his glittering career. He has created this simple black and white design featuring a heartfelt “thank you” in multiple languages. Get your piece of cycling history now and join the celebration of this modern-day cycling hero.
So, it ended precisely where it had begun fourteen years earlier, in our hometown of Tábor, which we cheekily refer to as the “Home of CX”. Zdeněk Štybar brought the curtain down on his glittering career as an elite racing cyclist which spanned almost two decades at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in February. The venue for his first of three CX world titles in 2010 was also the scene of an emotional farewell. There would be no title for Štyby this time around, however there was a different kind of fairytale ending.
Having decided to go out at the top level of racing whilst still in competitive shape, Štyby set his sights on a top ten finish on the Tábor course where he already held many happy memories. This time around, a crash and a flat tyre on the final lap put paid to his race ambitions, but disappointment and frustration were quickly replaced by a sense that perhaps the punctured tyre had happened for a reason.
As he slowed down his attention was diverted away from his race focus. Suddenly he could hear the crowds calling his name and feel the love of his fans. With tears in his eyes Štyby completed his unplanned lap of honour waving to the fans and savouring every moment. After the race Štyby laughed about the misfortune that inadvertently made the final few minutes of his career so unexpectedly enjoyable as he recalled that he had also got a flat in the 2010 title-winning race. Somehow his career had turned full circle with the perfect symmetry of the two flat tyres, each with a very different race outcome, but both occasions packed with joy and emotion.
Not all the best memories are about standing on the top step of the podium. Sometimes it’s simply not meant to be, and victories alone never define a person. That’s not to say winning hasn’t been a big part of the Czech superstar’s career. In addition to three world titles in cyclo-cross, Štyby was also crowned national champion in 2005 and six more times consecutively between 2008-13. His performances caught the eye of Quick-Step, who he joined in 2011. During his time with The Wolfpack, which spanned over a decade, Štyby developed a reputation as a fearsome competitor and Classics specialist. He would also claim two Grand Tour stage wins, taking a stage of the Vuelta in 2013 and a Tour de France stage win in 2015.
Now, after his professional career, Štyby has teamed up with Kalas to become our new brand ambassador. „The collaboration actually came from my side. Kalas is a great brand, I have a lot of trust in them because I have known them for many years through the national team and now I wanted to find someone with whom I could create joint projects with a cycling theme. Everything fell into place. Basically, right away we planned a series of activities and first of them is my limited edition,“ said Zdeněk Štybar.
But the reason for this limited edition collaboration is not so much to celebrate a phenomenal palmarès, but rather to show appreciation for all the support received throughout his racing career. The inspiration for the design is provided by Štyby himself. This unique demonstration of gratitude comes via a simple heartfelt message of ‘Thank You’, written in multiple languages on the jersey pocket and left sleeve, and on the bib shorts, on the back of the straps and end of the leg. On the back of the jersey is also Štyby’s own motto “Think, Work, Believe”.
Štyby has gifted this kit to his close friends and family to personally thank them for all their support. Now his loyal fans can show their appreciation to him by owning pieces from this limited edition collection. The Thank You Štyby collection comes from our Pro jersey and bib shorts that are made using only high-performance materials with the most elaborate details. The elastic fabrics are aerodynamic, lightweight and breathable to help keep you cool and dry, as well as fast in the saddle. Within the collection you can also find a summer cap and printed base layer. We are sure you will agree, these top quality garments are a suitable tribute to the man who gave his fans so much joy and so many happy memories throughout his career.
