OBR DRÁSAL 2026

We were in for some scorching heat this weekend, with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees, but we couldn't miss out on this wonderful race near Holešov. At our makeshift campsite in the castle gardens, we found a spot that was at least partially shaded by trees, and the swimming area right outside the gate offered the hope of some relief from the heat.

It cooled off slightly overnight on Saturday, but by morning the temperature began to rise again. On top of that, there were all those warnings and news reports about how every outdoor event was being canceled... So our pre-race preparations included a few extra tasks: crushing ice, filling plenty of water bottles, and getting Ondra's "supply run" and his route ready. He set out at half past ten to be ready in Rusava for both race routes. The local pub kindly let us keep our water bottles chilled in their freezer, so the race could get underway.

On Route B, we had Pavel Šorf with bib number 1, our top favorite. Last year, Pavel and Zbyněk Růžička won the 100-kilometer pairs race here; this year, he needed to ride a bit more conservatively—after all, two weeks ago he won the 100-kilometer race at Malevil, and in two weeks he'll be competing in the Salzkammergut Trophy. But Pavel isn't very good at holding back—at Rusava, he was in the lead group and in the lead at the split time. He faltered a bit on the descent to Holešov, but two rivals caught up to him on the long flat stretch. In the end, he finished third. Pavel was a little disappointed, but his result, time, and form were great, and he jumped into the lead in the series—not just in his category, but overall!

We had a strong showing in the "C" race, which started at noon. Although the goal was simply to survive, Klára Tomsová fought her way to 4th place, Kawas took 5th, and Naďa crossed the finish line in 6th place! David Koželuh Jr., who hasn't ridden much this year, also stepped up, passing his dad and finishing 12th in his category. And "Mr." Koželuh's 19th-place finish is also great.

Everyone survived this grueling race, and the reward was a packed swimming pool and, of course, the awards ceremony, where our team was once again in attendance!