



REIGN SUPREME

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MATTHEW DELORME & IRMO KEIZER



The Kulhavy crowd was up bright and early to spread their enthusiasm for the day.

U23 women out head out for battle.

Alessandra Keller pushing hard to catch up to Jenny Rissveds.

The crowds were next level. Racers' ears are going to be ringing for days.

If you can't Rock n Roll, Walk n Roll.

Alessandra Keller powering her way to third in U23 women.

The Czech fans shouting Skye Davidson from Zimbabwe onwards.

Alessandra Keller leads the pack followed by Sina Frei, Evie Richards and Jenny Rissveds. A pack of highly talented riders will be entering the elite field.

Jenny Rissvids was in a class all her own today.

The art of the perfect hand off.

A crash early on cost Evie Richards, who finished fourth.

Dutch speedskater Anne Tauber is one to watch for the future. In her first season on the mountain bike she has won two bronze medals in World Cups. In Nove Mesto she finished in 6th, despite a crash.

Powering away from the field, Jenny Rissveds left no doubt as to who was strongest today.

Sina Frei can be added to the list of Swiss weapons.

That moment of disbelief. A face we got very used to seeing this weekend.

All that's left is to watch the others cross the line.

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot at Julien Absalon's side. This lady is tough, after crashing hard yesterday she replied 'It's all ok'.

KS' Lev dropper seat post is being rocked on more and more XC bikes, Florian Vogel's included.

It is all about bells and whistles in Nove Mesto.

This man is responsible for random outbursts of the French national anthem. Better than non stop horns and air raid sirens in you ears.

Reveling is hard work. Best to take a union break and have a beer.

Beno modified his Jaroslav shirt to Ninjaslav. Because it was ninja time.

The men's elite field is off under blue skies and a perfect temperature.

Loads and loads of people everywhere.

Jaroslav leading Nino up the hill on lap one.

Jaro had home track advantage today, but it wasn't enough to fight off Nino.

Julien Absalon was trucking in the BMX section. Absalon took third today

This race proved tough to call. At first Kulhavy seemed to be on fire, but Cink, Absalon and Schurter were quick to follow. Then finally, Schurter gained the upper hand. Absalon and Kulhavy trying to close the gap.

Carlos Coloma whips up the crowd.

Schurter overtook Kulhavy, flying down the rockgarden. Cink in third.

Stephane Tempier had a strong ride to fifth place.

Nino overtaking the back markers on the Shimano Expert Climb. He was moving fast indeed.

Kulhavy in touch with Absalon before he overtook Julien on the last lap.

Ondrej Cink was looking sharp today as he battled up front.

Sergio Mantecon digging deep.

Once again the victor. Now there is one last bit of gold to collect in just over thirty days.

Brothers are always there with a kind word at race end.

Kulhavy put up one hell of a fight.

The Spanish team sharing an excellent overall performance.

Sergio Mantecon feeling the hard effort of the day. Mantecon took seventh.

The cycling colors. A dream for many, a reality for a select few.