Hundreds of young riders join Tartu cycling marathon races

Hundreds of young cyclists took part in the children’s races of the Tartu cycling marathon on Sunday despite rain, ERR reported. Riders of different ages and abilities took part, with the main goal being the joy of reaching the finish and receiving a small treat.

Young rider Jakob told the Aktuaalne kaamera news programme that his race went well and that it was good nobody fell. Artjom was pleased to have ridden quickly and climbed the hills.

Rainy weather and wet ground tested the children’s riding skills. “I feel more or less fine, but I would like to feel better. I got grass in my eye several times,” young rider Polina said.

Chris, who came to the marathon from Latvia, said there had been some muddy and slippery sections but that he was very satisfied and proud of himself.

Although every rider received a medal and a treat at the finish, the event also brought out a competitive spirit. “It was a fast ride. I tried to pass most of the others and take advantage of the wider sections,” young rider Gerhard said.

A small group of adult cycling enthusiasts also set off for a relaxed group ride. Participants who had completed Saturday’s marathon treated Sunday’s ride as recovery. The route covered 35 kilometres, with gravel roads left out because of the rain and wet conditions.

Some riders used the outing to recover from the previous day’s race, while others were preparing for another ride later in the evening. The event brought the 29th Tartu cycling marathon to a close.