European Cycling Union praises Tour d’Azerbaidjan
By Nigar Orujova
The Union Europeenne de Cyclisme (UEC) has praised the organization of the Tour d'Azerbaidjan as it looks forward to the Baku 2015 European Games.
The traditional race gathered 150 cyclists representing 25 teams from 33 countries this year and was won by Ilnur Zakarin from Russia's RusVelo team. It was held in Azerbaijani capital and regions on May 7-11.
David Lappartient, President of UEC, heralded the "beauty of the city of Baku" and added that he hoped the course raced would feature at next year's European Games.
The Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee are in advanced discussions with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Transport to finalize the route of the cycling time trial and road race, and are hopeful of confirming the route soon.
In a letter to the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation, Lappartient said: "On behalf of the UEC, I would like to congratulate you very sincerely for the excellent organization of the 2014 Tour of Azerbaijan.
"I would like to underscore that the images broadcast by Eurosport highlighted the beauty of the city of Baku with its contemporary and modern side, and we will be sure to discover the fortified city, the Shirvanshah Palace, magnificent locations that reflect its millenary history," he said.
Lappartient added he hopes the course will be used once more at the Baku 2015 European Games "so that all the participants can discover the city of Baku and contribute to the development of cycling in Azerbaijan".
He also wished the committee good luck. "I sincerely hope that these 2015 European Games are highly successful in Azerbaijan."
Europe's first senior multi-sport event will consist of more than 6,000 athletes from the 49 countries affiliated to the European Olympic Committees competing in 19 sports in Baku on June 12-28.
Cycling disciplines at the European Games include BMX, mountain bike, time trial and a road race.
Pierce O'Callaghan, Director of Sport at Baku 2015, said, "The Tour of Azerbaijan was a spectacular event that showcased the beauty of the country and the very best of Baku to the world.
"We are working closely with the Ministry of Transport to finalize the route of the time trial and road race and we will be taking Lappartient's praise of the Tour of Azerbaijan into consideration," O'Callaghan underlined.
The Baku Games' program will also include aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, beach soccer, boxing, canoe sprint, fencing, gymnastics, judo, karate, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, and wrestling.