Uudised

The race director of the Tour of Estonia, Indrek Kelk, told that this year’s tour has 21 teams and nearly 150 cyclists participating. “This is definitely a new record, at some point we even had 27 teams on the list. We can be proud of how big the peloton is going to be," said Kelk.

However, when it comes to the teams, you can't get over the World Tour cycling team BikeExchange-Jayco, where Tanel Kangert rides. According to Kangert, a good race is coming and the points are worth the price of gold for each team. "There are some pretty fast boys here, and I don't think everything is going to be easy for us. However, we have pretty fast men in the team and they have already raced together this year - I'm listening to their instructions," told Kangert about the upcoming tour.

According to the head coach of the National Team Estonia, Jaan Kirsipuu, they don’t have as strong team this year as they had last year, but they still have their own opportunities. "Team is made up around one strong sprinter, but on Saturday it will be difficult to control the race," said Kirsipuu.

Madis Mihkels, who won a bronze medal in the World Championships junior men’s road race and is currently riding in the Ampler-Tartu2024 team, believes that the prologue could be successful for him. "The personal goal is at least to win the stage, but it will be difficult," he said.

The start list also includes the 2019 Tour of Estonia winner Mihkel Räim, who will start with Burgos BH cycling team. "The goal is to get as many points as possible. Winning the stage is definitely one of the goals, but at first someone should come to the podium and then we should think further," said Räim.

This year's tour will be opened by a 3.7 km prologue held around Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Then will be race from Tallinn to Tartu (192.6 km) and the last, but not least is Saturday's Tartu GP, where cyclists will have 10 x 10.3 km laps in Tartu (164.8 km).

In addition to the Tour of Estonia, the Ladies Tour of Estonia will take place for the first time on May 28. After two years, spectators are expected to come and support the cyclists.

More information about Tour of Estonia can be found at: tourofestonia.ee