Tallinn Bike Marathon Challenges Racers With Bonus Speed Trials
Over a thousand cyclists are set to start at the 15th Tallinn Bicycle Marathon tomorrow, with over 450 in the half-marathon distance.
The second stage of the Estonian Cup, the event is being held on off-season ski trails and bike paths just outside Aegviidu, in a forested region 60 km southeast of the capital. The main distance is 58 km, where 1,170 are registered, and the half-marathon is 28 km.
Staggered starts were introduced as a new feature this year because of the large number of competitors.
"We'll try and see if the staggered starts will work for a cycling marathon in Estonia, it's an ordinary thing elsewhere in the world for large races," said organizer Jüri Voodla. The clock starts ticking on competitors as they cross the start line.
This year there are also a few bonuses - a 16 km lap time will be taken, giving the four fastest the possibility of earning additional points. And 14 km before the end is the Everest kilometer, basically a time trial on a hilly stretch.
The yellow jersey after one stage of the Estonian Cup belongs to Caspar Austa, while Nissan ProShop Team leads the teams.
Kristopher Rikken