Team Ampler-Tartu2024 started today officially their racing season in Netherland with the 199,2km long Visit Friesland Elfsteden Race (UCI.1.2). The race was marked by the crosswinds and only 72 riders out of 167 starters finished. We had 3 riders crossing the finish line, Madis Mihkels was 29th, Joonas Kurits 56th and Markus Knaapi 65th. Pauls Rubenis was unlucky with a crach which saw his bikes fork crack into two pieces and Artjom Köster had a very bad timed puncture, which put him out of the race.
All five guys told that they felt actually pretty ok and the first race gave them some confidence as the top condition wasn't targeted before the opening weekend. "Just some speed in the legs was missing, but the general condition was pretty ok,"confirmed Madis Mihkels.
Aivaras Mikutis and Mantas Bitinas continued today their program with Lithuanian national team in Turkey racing the hilly Grand Prix Mediterrennean (UCI 1.2). Aivaras finished 13th.
Visit Friesland Elfsteden Race RESULTS
Photo: Adam Illingworth
Aivaras & Madis in the team training camp few weeks ago