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Summary Czech Republics claim the Olympic gold medal in the mountain bike race of the London Games.
Jaroslav Kulhavy had been very discreet so far this season. But after months spent in the shadow of his rivals, his game of hide-and-seek was over.Without a single world cup win this season, the world champion was not expected to battle with the best in the English countryside.But after pre-race favorite Julien Absalon of France saw his hopes vanish with a puncture, Kulhavy produced an impressive display of strength and tactical awareness, well-timing his final move to claim the Olympic gold medal in the mountain bike race of the London Games on Sunday.On a hot day, Kulhavy made the most of a final steep ascent on the technical circuit to move ahead of Nino Schurter of Switzerland in the final 200 meters, then sprinted to the line.Schurter was beaten by one second and claimed the silver medal while Marco Aurelio Fontana of Italy took bronze, 25 seconds off the pace.Jaroslav, I really didnt count on him, Schurter said. Hes not been so strong this whole season, but today he was very strong and he deserved it.Kulhavy, whose sole objective this season was the Olympic gold, put his hands on his head as if he couldnt believe he had won. He then wore a Czech flag like a cape while Schurter, a bronze medalist in Beijing four years ago, collapsed to the ground totally spent after crossing the line.
