During the prologue held at the velodrome, each rider will have to complete three laps on a trek. This is a first-of-its-kind solution in the history of the Tour of Estonia, which will make the opening stage attractive to spectators and offer athletes a different challenge than usual.
The Pirita velodrome is also familiar to Estonians from the recently released film “My Erika”. It was at this same velodrome that the race scenes of actress Karolin Jürise, who played Erika Salumäe, were filmed.
The second stage of the Tour of Estonia will traditionally be run from Tallinn to Tartu. The third or Tartu city stage will once again offer the audience a real spectacle – the riders will have to complete the 11.2-kilometer city circuit 14 times.
As of now, 21 teams are participating in this year's tour, including two UCI Pro level teams – Novo Nordisk and Equipo Kern Pharma.
The Estonian team is represented this year by Norman Vahtra, Markus Mäeuibo, Lauri Tamm, Romet Pajur and Oliver Mätik. In addition, Estonians will also start as part of the Quick Pro Team: Mihkel Räim, Taavi Kannimäe, Gleb Karpenko, Aaron Aus, Martti Lenzius and Oskar Küüt. The Lucky Sport Cycling team will start with Frank Aron Ragilo and Karl Kurits.
Tour of Estonia general organizer Indrek Kelk said that this year's tour will be special in many ways.
"We have never taken the tour to the Pirita velodrome before, but this year we came up with such an idea and I believe that it will also give the competitors more excitement when participating in the tour," said Kelk.
Kelk also emphasized that he is happy about the three-stage tour again.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to organize a three-day tour in all years, including last year – the reasons have been both a lack of financial resources and problems finding suitable locations. This year everything worked out and the tour is three days long again. I am only happy about that,” he added.
The Tour of Estonia will be followed on June 7 by the legendary Tartu Rattaralli, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
