Cycling: Last weekend there was another World Cup classic in the program. In the Czech town of Nove Mesto, the cross country world elite dueled on one of the most demanding courses. Jaroslav Kulhavy was unbeatable in front of his home crowd and even shook off Nino Schurter on the last lap.
Nove Mesto is a classic on the XC World Cup circuit. With thousands of spectators and one of the most demanding courses in the World Cup, it is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar. Dasahrerfeld's men were stronger than they had been for a long time. Everyone: Schurter, Absalon, Kulhavy, Vogel, Fumic were fit and free of injuries. So it's no wonder that exactly these five led the first lap and determined the pace. The locomotive, Jaroslav Kulhavy, turned up the heat in the second lap and pulled away from the leading group. Only Nino Schurter was able to follow the Specialized rider's strong kicks.
They held the lead until the last lap and were to decide the victory among themselves. After Schurter started halfway through the loop, Kulhavy launched an incredible counterattack. He broke away from Schurter and managed to open up a whopping 24 seconds advantage, ultimately taking the win in Nove Mesto.
[iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/I69CRv3RVjo” width=”620″ height=”349″ iframe]“It was an unbelievable fight today with Jaroslav. I'm super happy with my performance, even if it wasn't enough for victory in the end. With Jaroslav in such great form, it will definitely be an exciting season and I will give everything to be at the top.", said Nino Schurter after the race.
In the women's category, Jolanda Neff was able to continue her good performance from the previous year. She beat Norway's Gunn Rita Dahle-Flesja in the sprint to secure victory. Last year's winner Pauline Ferrand Prevot followed in third place.