International cycling race/ From Tirana to Korça, by bike

2024-05-21 22:01:00, Qyteti im CNA

The International Cyclist Race started yesterday in our country, with the participation of about 100 cyclists from different European countries. Albanian cyclists who represented the Albanian National Team were also part of the race. More than 170 km have been covered by these athletes in this first stage of the race, starting at Skënderbej square in Tirana, and ending in Korçë, near the National Bank.

A tiring race, with difficulties due to the plain and mountainous terrain interwoven together, but with great pleasure for the athletes as they had the opportunity to see the natural beauties of our country.

The group raced together up to the ascent of Qafë Thana, while it is precisely this location where the Austrian athlete left the group behind, racing alone up to the village of Pirg i Maliqi. 3 Serbs were included in the group, where one of them competes for Bulgaria.

International cycling race/ From Tirana to Korça, by bike

Serbian Dordje Duric is the winner of the first stage of the cycling circuit with 4 hours, 3 minutes and 15 seconds, leaving compatriot Marko Stankovic in second place and Austrian Lenard SternsDorff in third place.

Duric crossed the finish line first, who after the race said that he knew the terrain well as he had raced on these roads before.

International cycling race/ From Tirana to Korça, by bike

"It was a difficult stage, the roads were difficult, there were a lot of climbs but I made it. It was difficult in the last moments because the power should be at its maximum but I had the support of my group so today I won", he said.

On the other hand, Stankovic, in second place, announced after the race that he did not have the support of other cyclists, and for this reason, it was impossible for him to cross the finish line first.

International cycling race/ From Tirana to Korça, by bike

"After 30 km of walking I tried to attack the first cyclist but I didn't have much chance because he had the support of his group. On the last climb he caught me and the team behind and this made the fatigue great. The race was difficult but I must be honest that the Serbian cyclist deserved it today", declared Stankovic.

Part of the cycling circle are the cyclists of the representative teams of Serbia, Greece, Austria, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. The second stage of the cycling tour of Albania is Korçë - Elbasan, 120 km./ CNA