Ukrainian cyclist wins third stage of Tour d'Azerbaidjan
By Nigar Orujova
Member of the Ukraine's ISD Continental team Vitaliy Popkov won the third stage of the international cycling tour Tour d'Azerbaidjan, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev, which started in the capital Baku on Wednesday.
The third phase of the tour held on Friday.
The cyclists headed for Sheki from Gabala, passed the Oguz region, and came back to Gabala, thus covering 165 kilometers.
On Saturday, the race will start at Gabala, whence the peloton will move towards Shamakhi and after covering 116 kilometers will finish near the Pirguli Observatory, 1,450 meters above sea level.
The final, 146 kilometer long stage, will pass through the central avenues and streets of Baku, and after making 12 laps will finish in front of the Government House.
Azerbaijani team member Christoph Shweizer won the first stage of the tour and gained the blue leader jersey and the green sprinter jersey.
The cyclist of Turkey's Torku Shekersport team Sergey Grechin became the winner of the second phase of the tour.
The second such tour in Azerbaijan brought together 25 teams from 24 countries to compete on May 1-5.The International Cycling Union (UCI) Europe Tour 2.2 Category tour is organized by the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation with support of the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Olympic Committee and the UCI.
The cycling tournament has an increased total prize fund of 69,000 euros.
The winner will be granted 6,000 euros; the athletes excelling in the sprint and mount competitions will also be awarded money prizes.