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The last year's winner of Tartu Grand Prix Rene Mandri will start with the number 1 bib in the Tour of Estonia. His comments on this year's race: "At the moment it is difficult to predict any favorites, it all depends on the outcome of the stages. For example the 3 km individual time-trial can have an outcome so surprising that at this minute I would not point out any possible leaders for the Tour. The multi-stage races are different from single day ones, the team tactics are absolutely different." About his own role in the Tour he says that since Gert Jõeäär is considered the strongest rider on the team they are largely concentrated on assuring his success.

Alo Jakin who is also on the Estonian National Team says that so far his season has gone well and there have not been any big setbacks. About the Tour of Estonia: "Our team plans to make the most of it and so will I. We definitely wish to win a stage." In his opinion the Tour's winner will be one of the bigger and stronger teams.

David Rebellin's team has come to Estonia to ride well. "I am here in Estonia for the first time and therefore I am not that well acquainted with the course which makes it complicated to predict how we will do but the team is strong. As a team we plan on taking it day by day and see how things are going to turn out," he finishes modestly.

Indrek Kelk assures that the organisers are prepared for the following days: "Although organising a tour is not even vaguely similar to the previous one day races, we can still say today that we are ready for the Tour of Estonia. There are definitely more things that need to have an eye kept on to work like an oiled machine than before," he commented on behalf of the organising committee. His predictions about the winner do not differ from the ones of the riders - the old town stage is an interesting one that can change a lot for the Tour. He also adds that probably by Friday morning we will also know the names of the approximately 10 team who will continue competing for the overall win of the Tour.

The first half-stage of the Tour will take place tomorrow in Viimsi and in the second half of the day the riders will take the stage in the Old Town of Tallinn. The 2nd stage, Tallinn-Tartu GP will be held on Friday May 31st and the final stage will be on this Saturday in Tartu. The week will finish with the popular race that is open for everybody, the 32nd SEB Tartu Rattaralli, that will also finish the compilation of the events of the Tour of Estonia and Tartu Rattaralli, the Estonian Cycling Weekend.