diff --git a/.github/workflows/publish_testpypi.yml b/.github/workflows/publish_testpypi.yml
index fb3b3308..370489f6 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/publish_testpypi.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/publish_testpypi.yml
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ jobs:
       - run: git checkout ${{ github.ref_name }}
       - run: uv python install ${{ matrix.python_v }}
       - run: uv python pin ${{ matrix.python_v }}
+        if: ${{ matrix.python_v != '' }}
       # don't modify sync file! messes up version!
       - run: uv sync --all-extras --frozen # does order matter?
       - run: uv build