The first Cyclo-cross National Champion of the season came out of the Czech Republic today, with favorite Zdeněk Štybar taking the honors in Tabor. The win, which comes as no surprise, marks Stybar's third consecutive National Championship title.
On a course covered with snow and ice Štybar took no chances, riding away from his compatriots after only two laps. Nobody could challenge the young 24-year-old. His Telenet-Fidea teammates, Petr Dlask and Martin Bina rounded out the podium.
Štybar will be looking to repeat his win in Tabor today later this month, when the Cyclo-cross World Championships come to the city. The two-time U23 Cyclo-cross World Champion will look to add another World Championship to his palmares, but first he will have to stave off the likes of Belgians Niels Albert and Sven Nys. The Czech has already proven he has the class to ride with the world's best, and will count on the home crowds to give him the extra edge needed to secure a win.