Three-time cyclocross world champion Zdenek Stival (Deceuninck-QuickStep) will return to the discipline this winter, competing in eight races as part of his preparation for the 2020 road season.

Last winter, Stibal competed in his first cyclocross event in two years, taking part in four races over the Christmas period. He enjoyed a strong classic campaign, winning the Omloop Het Nieuwsbland and the E3 BinckBank Classic.

On Wednesday, Deceuninck-QuickStep announced that Stibal will tackle eight cyclocross races in the coming weeks: the IKO Cyclocross Essen (December 7), Telenet Superprestige Zonhoven (December 8), Waaslandcross Sint-Niklaas (December 21), Zolder World Cup (December 26), Azencross in Loenhout (December 27), Telenet Superprestige Diegem (December 29), Cyclocross Bredene (December 30), GP Sven Nys in Baal (January 1).

"I'm really happy to be back in cyclocross," said Stival. Not only do these races fit my program so well, but the great crowds and the great atmosphere, especially the fact that it is a great event between Christmas and New Year's, makes me very excited to get started."

Stibal began his professional career as a cyclocross rider, winning world championships in 2010 and 2011. He continued to race in a modest cyclocross program early in his tenure with the team, earning his third rainbow jersey in 2014.

Over the past two years, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel have interwoven a full cyclocross schedule with a strong Classics campaign. However, Stival stressed that his aspirations for future races are limited to building form for the road season.

"It will be difficult to start at the back of the pack against riders who are halfway through the season and still be at the front, but that won't dampen my enthusiasm," Stibal said.

"I have the same goals as last year: ride my Specialized bike, have fun outside, chat with fans, and train for next season.