21.09.2014
Latvians took first two places at the SEB 17th Tartu RattamaratonToday was a Latvian day in the 89km long SEB 17th Tartu Rattamaraton. Andzs Flaksis form Rietumu-Delfini team took first place. His teammate Andris Smirnovs (LAT) was second. 46 year old Alges Maasikmets from Estonia was third. „The course was very fast. Driving with individual strength only was impossible today and a lot depended on teamwork,“ said Maasikmets. He stayed in the main group the whole race and managed to beat last years winner Erki Pütsep in the final sprint.
„Avarage speed was constantly more than 30 km/h. That was extreamly fast for a MTB marathon,“ commented winner Flaksis. He managed to set a new course record with a time of 2:29:11.
Flaksis and Smirnovs managed to pull away from the main group in a about 20 kilometres after the start. Aksel Nõmmela from Estonia managed to stay with the Latvians for most of the race but couldn’t stay with them until the end.
Latvians didn’t fight for the win but decided to share it. „I didn’t mind giving the win for Flaksis,“ said Smirnovs. „He is a good friend of mine“.
Janelle Uibokand from Estonia was the best female rider beating Greete Steinburg on the finishline. A total of 5582 cyclists registered for the SEB 17th Tartu Rattamaraton. 3388 for the longer 89km distance and 2196 for the shorter 40km race.
Photo: Tarmo Haud |