On Sunday, May 21, Jūrmala cycling marathon gathered cycling activists already for the second year. More than 1500 participants took part in three different distances – Favorit Family ride or 14 km, 60 km, and 126 km.
Jūrmala cycling marathon followed as continuation of the professional road cycling race – Jūrmala Grand Prix that took place on May 20. Both the 60 km distance and the Favorit Family ride or 14 km distance of the Jūrmala cycling marathon had equally many participants. It proves that cycling sports is becoming more and more popular in Latvia.
Leaders in sports class – Erki Pütsep and Lija Laizāne
Winner in men’s competition in 126 km distance was Erki Pütsep from team Alpha Baltic/Unitymarathons.com; he reached the finish in 2 hours, 59 minutes and 19 seconds. Runner-up was Enrico Montanari from team Wit/Procycling Events, but Estonian Mihkel Räim from team SJK Viiking came in third.
Winner in women’s competition was Lija Laizāne, who reached the finish after 3 hours, 8 minutes and 25 seconds. Runner-up was Jeļena Dovgoļuka from Veloclub Cycling Team. Dana Rožlapa came in third, losing to L. Laizāne and J. Dovgoļuka 5 minutes.
The best in nation’s class or 60 km – Henrijs Vimba and Madara Fūrmane
Winner in men’s competition Henrijs Vimba finished after 1 hour, 24 minutes and 37 seconds. Runner-up was Jānis Rubiks, but Boriss Linšakovs came in third.
The best in women’s competition was Madara Fūrmane, who accomplished the 60 km distance in 1 hour, 24 minutes and 47 seconds. Elīna Banga was runner-up, losing to M. Fūrmane almost 5 minutes, but Anžela Utināne came in third.
Great atmosphere in the Favorit Family ride
Participants of the Favorit Family ride did not hurry because winning was not the most important in this distance, but rather – to have a good time. This year, participants of the Favorit Family ride had specially thought about their appearance. Participants had matched their outfits and decorated their bicycles with soft toys and other attributes, also helmets had obtained a new, untraditional look.
Marathon for everyone with added value
This year’s Jūrmala cycling marathon stood out for the individual approach to its participants. First, cyclists could receive numbers with their names and surnames on them; second, those who had given their telephone numbers at registration could receive an SMS with their results within one hour. This possibility was provided in cooperation with 1188.
Also, thanks to support of Maxima Favorit, both in this cycling race and coming marathons children aged up to 12 years can register free of charge.
Total prize fund of Jūrmala cycling marathon was 5000 EUR. Moreover, those who did not step up the podium received money prizes, too. In 60 km distance, participants having finished as 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th, 500th, 600th, 700th, 800th, 900th, or 1000th received a guaranteed money prize of 100 EUR.
Lauris Špillers, initiator of the marathon movement, said with satisfaction: “This year, unlike last year, cycling races took place two days in a row. Thus, the weekend in Jūrmala developed into a real cycling festival. I was glad to hear from foreign guests that Jūrmala Grand Prix had been organized in a very high level. Moreover, this year the number of participants, as compared with last year, was notably bigger. It means that such competitions are approved of and have gained certain identification. We as organizers of the competition will do everything possible so as next year they gathered even more participants.”
After this week’s cycling events, Spice rollerblade marathon will follow on August 7, and MTB marathon on August 21. Finally, on September 11, the series of Jūrmala marathons will conclude with the BalticMiles half-marathon.
More information:
Daina Saliņa
„Alpha Baltic” Ltd
Tel.: +371 67898632
Mob.tel.: +371 28617450
E-mail: daina.salina@alphabaltic.lv
