An Emotion-Packed Premiere! Prachatice Welcomes the Champions of the Inaugural Mountain L'Etape
A breathtaking debut. The first edition of the Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France delivered a thrilling spectacle. This second instalment of the country’s largest amateur cycling event this year brought excitement to both the riders and thousands of fans along the route. The overall champions of the 102-kilometre race, featuring 2,200 metres of elevation gain on completely closed roads—organised with the support of Prachatice and the South Bohemian Region—were Robert Hula and Denisa Slámová.
"It was proper climbing, just the way I like it. Despite the rainy start, I enjoyed the race to the fullest," said a delighted Robert Hula from Team L27 Integray at the finish. He secured his victory just 100 metres before the finish line on the brutal climb to Rohanov, overtaking Martin Kapr to win by only seven seconds.
"Martin broke away on the climb to Kleť. He stayed ahead for 50 kilometres, and even though four of us were working hard, we couldn’t close the gap despite maintaining a fast pace. He put in an incredible performance. Still, I never panicked and kept telling myself I could do it, even though I dug deep into my reserves," added Hula, who was also crowned the best climber in the men’s category. Joining him on the podium in third place was his teammate Petr Fiala, winner of the Hilly L'Etape Czech Republic 2024 in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region.
The women’s champion of the inaugural Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic 2024—an event that attracted 1,043 cyclists from 21 countries, including Nepal and Brazil—was Denisa Slámová. This was her second victory this year in a race under the patronage of A.S.O., the organisers of the Tour de France. In June, she triumphed in the Hilly L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France.
"Participating always fills me with euphoria. I love the safety, route selection, and spectators. I’ve even done L'Etape in France, but the number of fans at the Czech edition continues to amaze me. Even though it rained at the start in Prachatice, the course was lined with spectators who gave me an unbelievable amount of energy," Slámová said with a wide smile as she crossed the finish line.
She even managed to beat the Czech cyclo-cross champion and World Championship medallist Kristýna Zemanová. "I was excited when I saw the course profile. I love climbs, although I wasn’t familiar with the Šumava ones. I started without knowing the route. I ambitiously tried to break away from the other girls on the first climb, but it didn’t work. Then I broke free on the climb to Kleť, where I wanted to aim for victory in the King of the Mountain segment. When I realised I was the only woman left, I kept pushing. In the group, I encouraged the guys to take turns at the front more often so Kristýna wouldn’t catch us from behind—she’s brilliant," said Denisa Slámová, paying tribute to the Czech cyclo-cross champion and World Championship medallist in Tábor 2024.
She arrived in Prachatice after a two-week training camp in the Šumava region. "I really like this area. I wanted to add a bit of variety to my preparation towards the end, and I was thrilled with it. But the sheer number of kilometres I rode during the camp just caught up with me, and I simply didn’t have the legs," said the runner-up in the overall standings of the Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic 2024 with a shrug.
The 102-kilometre route, with 2,200 metres of elevation gain, featured nine official fan zones. At the finish in Prachatice, cheering crowds packed the square to celebrate the winners and witness the ceremonial jersey presentations, styled after the real Tour de France.
"I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic. It’s beautiful to see the peloton growing, and I’m glad to be part of it," said Tereza Vlk Huříková, a former professional cyclist who finished fourth among the women. "I absolutely loved the fans—they were incredible. I high-fived as many as I could, thanked them, and encouraged other cyclists to interact with them too. When spectators get feedback, they enjoy it even more and are likely to return in greater numbers," she added enthusiastically.
Huříková even outpaced Czech cyclo-cross champion and World Championship medallist Kristýna Zemanová. "I was excited by the profile. I love climbing, although I wasn’t familiar with these Šumava hills. I approached the race ambitiously, trying to drop the other women on the first climb, but it didn’t work. Then I attacked on the climb to Kleť, aiming to win the King of the Mountain segment. When I realised I was the only woman left in the lead, I kept going. In the group, I urged the men to work harder so Kristýna wouldn’t catch us—she’s an excellent rider," Slámová said, praising the cyclo-cross champion, who had just returned from a two-week training camp in the Šumava region.
"I love this area and wanted to spice up the end of my preparation with this race. It was amazing, but the sheer volume of training kilometres showed—I just didn’t have the legs," said Zemanová, who finished second overall in the women’s standings.
While the former junior world champion in cross-country and time trial cycling aimed for results in her South Bohemian home region, other ambassadors enjoyed a day in the saddle. Among them were Ján Svorada, a three-time Tour de France stage winner, riding a pre-1993 vintage bike; Tomáš Bábek, a former track cyclist and European Games champion, who found the mountain stage a real challenge; and Zdeněk Štybar, a Tour de France stage winner and multiple spring classics champion.
"I could have gone faster, but I eased up and joined a group where I could relax and enjoy the ride. After 60 kilometres, I stopped for an autograph session under Kleť and then again at the finish. It was incredible to see the overwhelming emotions from so many participants. I’m fascinated by how much people enjoy cycling and how they experience L'Etape. I love the connection here between the peloton and spectators, who cheer for an hour and a half or two, not just for the winners but for everyone battling their own challenges," described the former cycling star.
In contrast, ice hockey player Milan Gulaš of České Budějovice raced to the finish at full tilt. It was only his second cycling event after the Hilly L'Etape Czech Republic in June. "I absolutely loved the Mountain L'Etape. It was an intense workout for the hockey season. The fans gave me unbelievable energy. The atmosphere at the climb to Kleť was amazing. The spectators got me so pumped that I found myself riding solo, ahead of my group. My goal was to finish in under four hours, and I exceeded that, making it a perfect day," said the 38-year-old forward at the finish of the Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France 2024.