EVLS Prague Pro 2025 - Men's Open prejudging

Backstage stories.

As we know, the last days before the competition are crucial. While German rider Tim Budesheim was battling an infection that complicated his final preparations, Keone Pearson experienced a big change. He parted ways with his long-time coach Patrick Tuor after a failed preparation for Olympia, where he said he made mistakes in supercompensation. He came to Prague with a clear goal: not to chase mass, but to bring much better form than in Las Vegas.

First call: Pearson on the edge, Czechoslovakians in the centre of the action!

There were 30 fighters on the stage, and so the first, most important invocation was awaited with great anticipation. And immediately the first big surprise came. The top group of six were called:

• Pavel Beran (Czech Republic)
• Joan Pradells Martinez (Spain)
• Samson Dauda (Great Britain)
• Martin Fitzwater (USA)
• Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)
• Keone Pearson (USA)

Although Keone Pearson was expected to be in contention for the win, the judges immediately placed him on the fringes of the group, indicating that he was unlikely to take part in the medal fight.

Instead, an unexpectedly even battle for the win was fought between Samson Dauda and Martin Fitzwater. Although Dauda looked better and fuller than at Olympia, where he finished fourth, Martin Fitzwater managed to keep up with him and in some moments even slightly outclassed him with his toughness and preparedness. It was great news for the Czech fans that Michal Križánek and Pavel Beran were also firmly in this elite group, and their performances won the attention of the whole hall.

Final comparison: the Fitzwater in the centre!

As the semi-finals continued, the final five for the final comparisons crystallized. And here came another interesting moment. The judges first put Martin Fitzwater in the middle, which often signals that he has a slight advantage. He was replaced in the centre by Samson Dauda in the next round, but it was clear that neither had a clear advantage.

Keone Pearson was left on the fringes throughout, confirming that his positioning was likely to be outside the top 3. Michal Krizanek, on the other hand, was steadily in contention for the bronze medal.

The conclusion of the semi-final is clear: Samson Dauda and Martin Fitzwater will fight for the title of EVLS Prague Pro 2025 champion in Sunday's final. The battle for third place will probably be between Michal Krizanek and the rest of the top 5. Everything is open and the final promises incredible drama!

Source: repone.de