Registration is now open at www.bulta.lv/smiltene for the long-standing “Smiltene Cup” cycling race, which will take place on 25 July at Bruģis Hill. The programme includes the “Dako Ziemeļvidzeme” sports race, the “Vudlande” recreational race, the “AL Mežs” children’s races, a family ride and the “top!” youth competitions. Residents of Smiltene Municipality can take part with a 50% discount.

The “Smiltene Cycling Cup” is a long-standing event with a rich tradition dating back to the 1960s. The race was revived in 2019 and has now been held without interruption for eight consecutive years. This year, the event centre will be located at Smiltene’s famous Bruģis Hill, one of the longest cobbled climbs in the Baltic region and part of the historic Kalnamuiža complex.

This year, the “Smiltene Cycling Cup” has become even more accessible to a wider range of active recreation enthusiasts, offering a diverse programme for cyclists of different ages and ability levels from across the Baltic States.

Junior, elite, U23 and amateur cyclists will have the opportunity to take part in the 100.6-kilometre “Dako Ziemeļvidzeme” sports race. The route will lead from Smiltene to Strenči and Valka before returning to Smiltene, where participants will complete a 3-kilometre city circuit and finish on Bruģis Hill. Last year, junior cyclist Marks Jākobsons claimed victory in the overall classification and will once again be one of the main favourites this year. The start is scheduled for 11.00.

At 11.30, the friendly “AL Mežs” children’s races will start on Bruģa Hill for all young cyclists aged 2 to 10. Participation is free of charge, but wearing a cycling helmet is mandatory. After the finish, every young rider will be invited onto the main stage to receive tasty prizes from our supporters – “Smiltenes piens” and the “top!” supermarket chain.

At 14.30, the starting gun will sound for the exciting “Vudlande” recreational race along the Smiltene–Vijciems–Smiltene route. In this race too, the final kilometres will be completed on the city circuit, with the finish on Bruģa Hill. In addition to the individual winners in each age group, the fastest teams will also be determined.

A new addition this year will be a 9-kilometre family ride along the city circuit. It will be open to anyone who wishes to cycle without competing and instead enjoy one of Latvia’s most beautiful towns at a leisurely pace. The ride will start immediately after the “Vudlande” recreational race.

To conclude the event, riders in the “top!” Youth Cup and the women’s elite race will take to the course from 16.00. These races will form the fifth stage of the “Cerību kauss”, as well as a stage of the Baltic Cup and a Latvian National Ranking event for women.

 

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Information republished from the website of the Latvian Cycling Federation: https://lrf.lv