Why we’ve seen less of Mathias Vacek ahead of Omloop this year than in 2025: “I’m not stressed”

Vacek has already raced the Tours of Valencia and Provence, but he showed less of himself there than he did in early 2025 in Valencia and the Volta ao Algarve. “But I’m not stressed,” he explained via the Czech Cycling Federation. “The first races were just a test to see where I’m at. I want to be in top form for the Classics.”

“Last year, I was in good shape right from the start of the season,” Vacek continued. “For the coming year, after discussions with my coach, I changed my strategy. I decided to take it a bit easier and focus on reaching my peak form at the beginning of March, without holding it for too long and putting my body under pressure for weeks.”

“But that doesn’t mean my performances are worse. On the contrary, I’ll try to optimise my form for important races like the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, where I want to be at my very best. Hopefully, I can save that energy for the most important moments of the season. The key thing is avoiding fatigue.”

Vacek has been building towards the Belgian races for months. “After the break, from the end of November I went to Spain with my brother Karel,” he said. “I focused fully on training. I didn’t miss a single scheduled session, which would have been impossible back in the Czech Republic because of the climate.”

“Otherwise, you lose a chunk of the season. And I don’t want to be able to blame anything. I definitely celebrated Christmas and New Year’s differently than I did five years ago. On Christmas Eve I rode five hours; on the first day of January, six. I want to reach the top — and I’m doing everything for that,” said the motivated Czech rider.

Vacek extended his contract with Lidl-Trek last year through to 2029. “I want to prove I’m worth it. And in the future, I want to increase my value. I’m not satisfied. I want to win. Push my limits. Be among the best,” he said. “I put pressure on myself. It’s important to be driven and to have a goal.”