Kulhavý, McConneloug secure overall wins at Merida Vysocina

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Jaroslav Kulhavy (Rubena Birell Specialized) and Mary McConneloug (Kenda Seven NoTubes) won the overall men's and women's races at the Merida Bike Vysocina this weekend.

The Czech Kulhavy won Saturday's cross country race and Sunday's point-to-point marathon. The only stage he did not win was the opening sprint, which was taken by Jan Fojtik.

The anticipated battle between defending champion Jose Antonio Hermida and Kulhavy did not materalize as Hermida did not have the form required to retain his race title.

"I won here last year but the race was organized one month later, so I was in better shape," said Hermida. "This year I have suffered a lot, with three very intensive tests in which I have pushed full gas. In the sprint race on Friday, I was not feeling good, but I was able to finish fourth on Saturday in the cross country race. I have ridden all 44km today with my teammate Rudi van Houts, and we enjoyed quality training together."

American McConneloug placed in the top two in all three stages - with wins in the cross country and marathon and a second place in the sprint. Her closest rival was the Czech Tereza Hurikova (Trek Lorca). Poland's Anna Szafraniec (JGB-2) took third overall.

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