Petr Vakoč appeared on the roster of the Canyon Northwave team in early 2022. A former professional road racer, two-time Tour de France participant, Olympian and winner of the road classic Brabant Arrow, he is a lover of cycling in any form. Two years ago, he decided to end his career as a professional road racer, but at that time he announced that he was not quitting racing. Later, he agreed with Kristián Hynek on a one-year cooperation and became a biker - marathoner. His goal and dream was a Cape Epic pairs stage race. Shortly before its start in 2022, however, he broke his arm and did not start. In the same year, he gained several valuable successes, but he did not start his dream race. He therefore agreed with Kristián to extend his work as a whole until mid-May 2023. He started the Cape Epic in 2023, paired with Marc Stutzmann. They finished the race together in 7th place in the overall standings and exceeded all expectations.

Since mid-May, Peter's contract has expired and neither side has sought to extend it, because Vakoč has another goal ahead of him. He wants to try another terrain discipline - gravel.

"It's a combination of bike and road, it's fun, plus it's a new discipline. I think the race distances could suit me, it will be something like road classics. Based on the first three races, I will decide whether to go into gravel full-time or just enjoy racing. But for now, I have to decide. I have other plans, mainly in the field of psychology and coaching," said Petr, who is now in the United States, where he will compete in Unbound Gravel, one of the largest and most difficult gravel races in the world, which is 320 km long.

But let's go back to Peter's bike career. Even on mountain bikes, he managed to get several valuable placements and tried the biggest marathon events. He competed in the World and European Championships, Cape Epic and other stage races.

"I evaluate the bike career very positively, I have a lot of experiences and Kristián and I also talked about starting at Epic in 2024. If I can find enough motivation to prepare for it like this year, then why not go. This year's Epic exceeded expectations, I fulfilled my dream, it was great. But I also enjoyed other races, such as the European Championship in Malevil, where I finished fifth and I also managed the marathon series race in Jelenia Góra, where I was second. I took it as a diversion, but now I would like to try gravels," concluded Petr, whom we wish good luck in the next stage of his career.