Defending champions Prokop and Kintner continue streak at Jeep KOM opener

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Michal Prokop of the Czech Republic, and Jill Kintner of the US, both two-time defending champions in the Jeep King of the Mountain Series, continued their winning streak by earning titles at this year's first event of the three-race series in Park City, Utah.

The competitors were battling for a share of the record US$100,000 prize purse and the keys to a new 2008 Jeep Liberty. Points will be accrued throughout the series to determine the series champion.

In the men's competition, Prokop, the Czech Republic BMX and mountain bike national champion with multiple world cup podiums in 2007, battled it out with Australia's Jared Graves, a 2006 world cup titlist, two-time NMBS Champion and Australian national champion.

In the championship heat, Graves shocked Prokop with a flawless run, just crossing the finish line ahead of the defending champion. In the second race, however, Prokop displayed his brilliance and charged hard to make up the time differential and grab the title. Eric Carter edged out Cody Warren in the consolation heat to capture third place in the standings.

In the women's competition, Kintner, with two world cup wins and an NMBS title in hand, came out of the gates on fire and would end up matched up against Melissa Buhl, the recently crowned US National Champion and former NMBS champion. Kinter won over Buhl with Annette Beerten holding on for third and an injured Tara Llanes in fourth. The crowed saluted Llanes' effort with a standing ovation.

For full coverage of the Jeep KOM #1, click here. The series heads next to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California, on Saturday, August 18.