Petr Kelemen will be representing CCC Development Team from next season. The Czech rider will join the team on two-year deal.
He came from a cycling family – his father used to be a cyclist and his brother choosed track cycling. Petr started riding BMX when he was 5. Then, after several years, he decided to switch to the track. As a teenager Petr became fascinated by road cycling and now he tries to combine those two disciplines: road and track. In his free time he likes watching ice hockey and football. As a junior, Petr won Czech championships in road race.
– Petr Kelemen is a cyclist with a big potential. We appreciate his abilities when it comes to ride against the clock. He can also perform well on one-day races. Moreover, as a bunch sprinter from smaller groups, not only he can sprint himself but also can help other riders like for example Stasiek Aniołkowski. We are looking forward to seeing what Petr can do with us next two years – said Robert Krajewski, president and sport director of CCC Development Team.
– I have to say that I’m really happy and excited that I’m going next months in CCC Development Team. After World Championships in Yorkshire I had two offers but I didn’t hesitate and chose the one from CCC Devo. I would not find another such a professional and well-equipped team on a continental level. This is the best place for a young rider to develop. Moreover, I’ve been following the team during whole season, so I know that it is a really strong group of riders, with 19 victories in this season. I also really liked the calendar and the fact that the team was able to participate in good and demanding races. I am really looking forward to next season. I am sure that after winter training camps we will manage to build strong team with good spirit and that we will be able to fight for victories – said Kelemen.
Petr Kelemen
born 18.11. 2000
time trialist, classic rider, bunch sprinter
2-year deal with CCC Development Team
Do you remember how your cycling career started?
Yes, I was five and together with my brother we were riding BMX. It was our father who encouraged us to practice this discipline, as he used to be a cyclist. After 6 years I decided to try something new and I switch to track cycling. My brother did the same and since then he has been concentrating only on track. In the beginning I focused on sprint disciplines and when I was a junior it came out that endurance competitions are better to me.
And road cycling? When it came out that this would be your main discipline?
Funny thing, but it’s really hard to choose one, particular reason. I remember that I was a teenager, still a junior and I used to watch big races like Tour de France or classics. And I just felt that this is what I would like to do in my life. The atmosphere, fans – all those things happening around such events are really fascinating. In the beginning it was really demanding for me as on track it’s mainly about high speed and fighting for a good position. As I came from track, I thought that I might be a sprinter but as I mentioned before – I started to do more kilometers, focusing on endurance… And now, I can say that I’m quite good time trialist, I also feel well as a bunch sprinter from a small group. I think that classic one-day races can suit me well. When it comes to my climbing skills – still there is a lot of things to improve especially when it comes to long climbs.
How is your cycling role-model?
Zdenek Stybar. I think that I can say that he is a friend of mine and we often train together. He is really determined rider and what is more – ha always gives his best for the team.
What is your biggest cycling dream?
Definitely, I would like to join WT team in the future. I really want to take part in races like Milan – San Remo or Tour de Flanders. These are my favorite, actually. I hope that in CCC Development Team I’ll be able to make a step forward, become better rider and finally be able to compete at world-tour level.
And your biggest success so far?
I think it’s green point’s jersey I won at Junior’s Nation Cup Tour du Pays de Vaud. I also was Czech champion as a junior in RR and I had also a chance to represent my country on European and World Championships. My last season was also quite good for my – even though it was my first season in U-23 category. I spent in at World Cycling Center and it was some kind of a probation. I was 4th at stage of Ronde de l’Izard and two times I finished stages in top-15 at Tour de l’Avenir.
What are your expectation for next seasons which you are going to spend in CCC Development Team?
I have to say that I’m really happy and excited that I’m going next months in CCC Development Team. After World Championships in Yorkshire I had two offers but I didn’t hesitate and chose the one from CCC Devo. I would not find another such a professional and well-equipped team on a continental level. This is the best place for a young rider to develop. Moreover, I’ve been following the team during whole season, so I know that it is a really strong group of riders, with 19 victories in this season. I also really liked the calendar and the fact that the team was able to participate in good and demanding races. I am really looking forward to next season. I am sure that after winter training camps we will manage to build strong team with good spirit and that we will be able to fight for victories. I can promise that I will do my best to support the guys who will be our leaders for particular races. I also hope that I’ll also have a chance to ride Tour de l’Avenir next season.