Karel Vacek is one of the most impressive juniors this season. Great opponent of Remco Evenepoel, barely czech 18 years old will join the Hagens Berman Axeon course next year ... Here is the interview in French (translated from English)
Cycling Times : First question : When did you start cycling and when did you get your first significant results ?
Karel Vacek : I started cycling when I was 4 years old and I got my first big results in my first year U17 (cadet)
CT : What race was it ?
KV : It was the queen stage of the U17 Peace Race, and a victory in an international race in Italy
CT : You can easily find information about your results from 2017. But can you tell me a little more about your younger years, before entering the juniors ?
KV : I won the general classification of the U17 Peace Race and 30 other races, I was then running for an Austrian team called RC Eindruck Saarleinsbach, I have always been a very good climber and I have always won a lot of races until now. I was also an excellent cross-country skier, but from 2016 I only focused on cycling.
CT : I didn't know you were so strong in young people ... What are your next goals for 2019 ?
KV : I want to show myself at my best and focus on the stages of the Giro U23 (hopes), of the Tour de l'Avenir and others, I want to make myself known to the great world tour teams, and have fun with the Hagens Berman Axeon team.
CT : Nice goals ... I wish you to achieve them. What can you tell me about the world championships race ? You were announced as Remco's great opponent, but you are done (only) twelfth. Can you explain it?
KV : Yes it was a big disappointment because I was in very good shape and I think I was stronger than Remco, but in the descent of the first long ascent, when I got into the aero position the tendon at the back of the knee stretched and I injured myself, so I could no longer maintain a steady pace, it hurt me for a whole week after the world championships, so it was not easy.
CT : Oh so that's why Remco was alone ... What is your favorite type of race and which one makes you dream ?
KV : I love stage races, difficult day races like the Tour of Lombardy and time trials, I want to win one of the great tours, maybe the Tour de France, and the Tour of Lombardy too.
CT : Okay and who is your favorite runner ?
KV : My idol is Lance Armstrong, because he's the mentally strongest person I've seen !
CT : It’s an interesting choice, and of course mentally, It is hard to do better. Do you think you have these kinds of qualities ? And in what areas can you improve ?
KV : I think I can improve a lot of things and I think that's a good thing, my theory is to take it step by step and reach your limits when you need it most.
CT : It’s very interesting ... Do you do anything other than cycling like studying or something like that ?
KV : I study languages, because they are very important in cycling.
CT : I totally agree ! Everything you do is therefore focused on cycling ?
KV : Yes, I think cycling always goes further so you have to focus on one thing and do it at 100%, if you choose school you must devote yourself to it 100% otherwise you will not be successful, and this in everything you do, just do it at 100% or don't do it.
CT : Nice state of mind ... You mentioned your past as a cross-country skier. Do you continue to practice this sport ?
KV : This is why I am so strong the way I am I practice cross-country skiing 1 month every winter and that's what makes me different from other riders and makes me better.
CT : Your profile reminds me of Primoz Roglic's. He was also a great skier… What was the best day you have had on your bike? ?
KV : I have no better day, I just enjoy every moment spent on my bike, every day has something special.
CT : You only have 18 years old but you give the impression of being much older in your head and having a lot of experience, and I think that's an important quality ... Can you briefly describe your training and how you imagine your season? ?
KV : I will be doing some training camps in Spain during the winter with cross-country ski training in particular, my goal is to have a good season with good progress and new experiences.
CT : Nice program… Are you the first in your family to reach this level in cycling? ? Or is there someone else who has had a career before you ?
KV : My father has already finished 11th in the Tour de l'Avenir and second in the Tour of Austria, and also set a record on the Grossglockner but that was 25 years.
CT : Okay but that doesn't matter… What are your expectations with the Hagens Berman Axeon squad, the Axel Merckx team, next year ?
KV : It's a great team with a very healthy atmosphere and really nice staff, the program is very good and under Axel’s leadership I’m sure the next two years will be very interesting.
CT : Of course ! I'll end this quickly wishing you the best for the seasons to come. And thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I found it very enriching and I think those who follow me will soon have a little surprise ...
KV : thank you !
