Holešov delivered thrilling racing as the Czech Cross Country Championships crowned familiar champions across a muddy, technical course on Saturday (29).
The men’s senior title once again belonged to Jáchym Kovář, who claimed a historic fifth consecutive crown with a fearless front-running performance.
The anticipated duel with road 10km king Martin Zajíc fizzled out as Kovář surged clear from the gun and never looked back, powering home in 23:35. Zajíc crossed in 24:00 for silver, while a dramatic bronze battle went to Marek Chrascina (24:17) by a single second over Jakub Zemaník (24:18).
Hrochová takes title number five
The women’s race was equally decisive as twice Olympic marathon runner Tereza Hrochová stormed back to the top of the national podium after a one-year absence.
Already a four-time champion, she added a fifth title with total authority, breaking away early and crushing the field to win in 26:09. Iva Gieselová claimed silver in 26:50, holding off a fast-finishing Barbora Bukovjan (26:59).
In the emerging mile cross race, Jakub Davidík redeemed last year’s heartbreak by attacking on the final circuit to win in 13:40, ahead of returning veteran Petr Vitner (13:50) and Adam Malý (13:53). The women’s mile went to Anna Málková, who dominated in 15:22 for her second national title.
U20 honours fell to two rising stars. European U20 3000m steeplechase leader Adam Červinka blasted away for gold in 16:53 in the men’s race, while Veronika Břízová was unbeatable in the women’s race, winning in 19:36.
Photos courtesy of ČAS - Jan Houska
