The Big Picture | Tábor World Cup

The World Cup returns to Europe.

With the U.S. block complete, the World Cup returned to European soil in Tábor, Czechia. This was my second time covering this race and it is really growing on me. The Czech fans are passionate and knowledgeable. The course is absolutely World Cup worthy. And the town of Tábor is beautiful and fascinating.

Last year I drove to Tábor and arrived close to midnight on Saturday to find myself checking in to my hotel along with some elite riders. That was a bit shocking. After the races on Sunday I hopped in my car and began the drive back to France. I’m not sure I even saw any of the town in the daylight. This year I flew in to Prague on Friday afternoon and took the train to Tábor. In addition to reducing my stress levels, this schedule meant I could explore Tábor a bit and get to know the town. It was well worth it.

If you’re considering a pilgrimage to experience European CX, Tábor should absolutely be on your list. Hopefully the photos below will support my argument.

Magnus White rolls to the start. An unfortunate early crash would lead to a DNF. © Ethan Glading

The riders crest a berm in the lower portion of the course.. © Ethan Glading

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Václav Ježek remounts in the pit. © Ethan Glading

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Zsombor Tákacs of Hungary navigates the turn into the stairs. © Ethan Glading

Matthias Schwartzbacher runs, Viktor Vandenberghe hops. © Ethan Glading

Eventual winner Lauren Molengraaf solo off the front. © Ethan Glading

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American Ella Brenneman ditches her glasses.© Ethan Glading

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Regina Bruchner of Hungary hopping the uphill barriers. © Ethan Glading

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Andrew Strohmeyer on his way to a 6th place finish. © Ethan Glading

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Tom Lindner of Germany mounts the second set of stairs on the course. © Ethan Glading

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Belgian domination in the U23 race. © Ethan Glading

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Jente Michels riding into somebody’s TikTok. © Ethan Glading

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Frenchman Nathan Bommenel hopping the barriers.© Ethan Glading

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Jente Michels seems a bit skeptical. © Ethan Glading

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Dario Lillo post race.© Ethan Glading

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Ellen Van Loy warms up. © Ethan Glading

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Anne Marie Worst early in the first lap. © Ethan Glading

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Betsema, Pieterse and Van Anrooij early in the race. © Ethan Glading

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Fem Van Empel leads a procession past pit two.

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Anna Kay hops, Lucía González runs. © Ethan Glading

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Young Belgians spectating the elites. © Ethan Glading

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Rare glimpse of Puck Pieterse not hopping barriers. © Ethan Glading

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Quinten Hermans making his World Cup debut. © Ethan Glading

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Czech CX hero Stybar enjoying the home field advantage. © Ethan Glading

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A good crowd turned out for the first Euro World Cup of 2022. © Ethan Glading

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Sweeck, Vanthourenhout and Van der Haar chasing. © Ethan Glading

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Czech czamp Michael Boroš. © Ethan Glading

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Three in a row for Iserbyt. © Ethan Glading

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Štybar basking in the glow. © Ethan Glading

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