European Road Championships begin in Tartu
The 2015 European Road Championships, the European under-23 road cycling competition, began today in Tartu and will go on until Sunday, with Estonia hopeful on at least one medal.
A total of 615 cyclists from 36 countries have come to Estonia's second city to compete in under-23 and juniors (under 18) races, both individually and as a team.
Italy has brought the biggest team of 31 athletes and a 22-strong-support team. Estonia has 32 cyclists, but only 8 other team members.
Toivo Suvi, the head of the Estonian team, said that Estonian cyclists have worked hard and much has been accomplished.
Estonian focus will be on the under-23 group road race, which is 161.2 kilometers long, with an average estimated speed of 44 kilometers per hour. Martin Laas, who won this year's Tour of Estonia, will lead Estonia's hopes.
Estonia has previously won two medals at the European Road Championships, with Rene Mandri winning a silver in 2006 and Rein Taaramäe also a silver a year later.
Click here for more information on the competition.
Editor: J.M. Laats