Czech Tour: Howson wins final stage and overall
Australian attacks late on to secure GC one-two for Mitchelton-Scott
Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott) took the stage win on the final day of the Czech Tour to secure overall victory in the four-stage race.
The Australian jumped away with Markus Hoelgaard (Uno-X) on a climb on the final lap around Šternberk after a hilly closing stage. The two went to the line together, with Howson coming out on top in the finishing sprint.
Adam Toupalík (Elkov-Kasper) won the sprint for third, nine seconds back, while Howson's teammate Jack Bauer secured second overall after finishing in the chase group. Hoelgaard, meanwhile, took third overall.
The Australian team had been in the driving seat for much of the race, having won the opening team time trial by 25 seconds. Stage 2 and 3 saw Belgian youngster Jordi Meeus (SEG Racing Academy) take two victories, while Mitchelton-Scott headed into stage 4 holding the top four spots on GC.
"It's awesome, it's been a long time coming, I guess," said Howson after the finish. "I put some hard work in in the last couple of months and it's nice to see that pay off.
"I can't reiterate enough, the guys here, kicking it off with the team time trial and the way they've ridden the last couple of days, it's truly amazing to sit behind these guys and see what they're able to do. It was my way of repaying them with the stage win and the GC."
| # | Rider Name (Country) Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damien Howson (Aus) Mitchelton-Scott | 4:24:44 |
| 2 | Markus Hoelgaard (Nor) Uno-X | |
| 3 | Adam Toupalik (Cze) Elkov-Kasper | 0:00:09 |
| 4 | Pascal Eenkhoorn (Ned) Jumbo-Visma | |
| 5 | Jack Bauer (NZl) Mitchelton-Scott | |
| 6 | Mauro Schmid (Swi) Leopard Pro Cycling | |
| 7 | Grega Bole (Slo) Bahrain McLaren | |
| 8 | Sjoerd Bax (Ned) Metec-TKH | |
| 9 | Petr Vakoc (Cze) Alpecin-Fenix | |
| 10 | Fabio van den Bossche (Bel) Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise |
| # | Rider Name (Country) Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damien Howson (Aus) Mitchelton-Scott | 14:44:35 |
| 2 | Jack Bauer (NZl) Mitchelton-Scott | 0:00:19 |
| 3 | Markus Hoelgaard (Nor) Uno-X | 0:00:29 |
| 4 | Adam Toupalik (Cze) Elkov-Kasper | 0:00:43 |
| 5 | Chad Haga (USA) Team Sunweb | 0:00:44 |
| 6 | Jakub Otruba (Cze) Elkov-Kasper | 0:00:47 |
| 7 | Koen Bouwman (Ned) Jumbo-Visma | |
| 8 | Pascal Eenkhoorn (Ned) Jumbo-Visma | 0:00:48 |
| 9 | Petr Vakoc (Cze) Alpecin-Fenix | 0:00:55 |
| 10 | Otto Vergaerde (Bel) Alpecin-Fenix | 0:00:58 |
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Keep the bike thieves at bay with the OnGuard RockSolid U-Lock – it’s normally one of the most expensive bike locks on the market, but right now it's 20% off at Amazon
OnGuard claims the RockSolid bike lock provides "An impenetrable fortress against even the most determined thieves" Invest in keeping your bike safe, with this angle grinder-resistant bike lock at one of its best prices -
'A clear signal for the years ahead' – Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sign Florian Lipowitz and Giulio Pellizzari to long-term deals
18-year-old under-23 world champion Lorenzo Finn also on board with long-term contract renewal -
Lotto-Intermarché official with 30-rider merged squad as Uno-X Mobility promoted, Cofidis relegated in 2026-2028 WorldTour
Lotto-Intermarché Women's team final with 14 riders -
Oscar Onley stays away from Picnic PostNL team camp as transfer discussions continue
23-year-old Scot allowed time at home after traveling from Australia



