Czech Rider Unfazed by Arctic Conditions

Pavel Stuchlik will feel right at home if forecast snow actually eventuates during the PowerNet Tour of Southland today.

Stuchlik, 20, left temperatures of minus 9 degrees in the Czech Republic to fly around the globe and contest this year’s event.

“It’s very cold in the Czech Republic, even colder than here actually,” he said. “It’s a pleasure being here and I really enjoy the scenic. It’s a beautiful race … it’s like a vacation for me.”

In New Zealand earlier this year for an intensive training camp in preparation for the rigours of the European season where he rides for Marco Polo, Stuchlik jumped at the chance to return for the highly-regarded Tour.

“There is a lot of guys racing for big teams and definitely it’s a nice field. And cool guys that’s for sure. I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

While illness and a bike broken in transit have added unexpected challenges, Stuchlik has performed strongly for his adopted Southland Times team.

“I had quite a few unlucky days,” he said. “But never stop smiling, that’s for sure.

“I hope I’ve been stepping up every stage … hopefully I will get some stage wins for our team during the whole Tour.”

Based in Holland, Stuchlik races the hotly-contested European circuit and in Asia for Marco Polo.

“Racing goes all the time so it’s a different style of racing. You can’t compare it – each race is different,” he said.

“I enjoy it here – it’s more relaxed and that’s why I came here. It’s a nice race and you can just chill and make the most of it.”