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Dominique Ruyssen wins 1588 Ceribian Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Nueva 26, 1587


Dominique Ruyssen won his first Ceribian Tour after finishing twice in the podium.


Etora, Ceribia - Dominique Ruyssen (MTS-Biassoni) won the 1588 Ceribian Tour, his first Grand Tour in his cycling career. He had finished as runner-up twice previously, in 1583 and 1584.

The Ceribian Tour didn't start well for Ruyssen as his team lost 43 seconds in the team time-trial on stage 1, which was won by his former team Télecon Cycling. After two flat stages won by sprinters Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Sven-Ole Wieth respectively, the first mountain stage come early than usual this year, on stage 4. The stage was won by the previous season winner, Oslanburgan Grzegorz Sutzkever (KDK-Magram), who beat to climber Hoga Toru (Futara Team) after an attack of his own teammate Mukhran Chavchavadze. Twenty seconds later arrived Ruyssen along Almas Cingur (KyrzAir), Nicolaj Bruun (Luft Wurberg), and Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team) allowing to climb to the 7th place in the general classification, one minute behid Sutzkever who took the golden jersey.

The next stage was came with a big change in the general classification, as 21-year old Goldecian climber Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling) won the stage and took the golden jersey, in which Ruyssen couldn't follow the path from the main group, which included his teammate Jose Cardoso, and finished one minute and thirty seconds after Foster, while Sutzkever lost almost three minutes that day.

Foster wasn't able to keep the leadership for long, though, as he suffered a minor crash in the next stage, a 247-km hilly stage which included cobblestone roads. The stage was won by Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Eskkyan climber Amaury Servan (Rolareux-Vançotte). The next three stages were again decided in a mass sprint, without important incidences in the general classification, and were won by Saratovian sprinter Bohdan Staryk (Iskra Team), Batavian Frederik de Jong (Lentar-RIFF), and Sven-Ole Wieth, the Oslanburgan proving to be the most serious rival for the Florinthian sprinter for the Points classification.

The high mountain returned on stage 10, which was won by East Tambossan climber Mutara Gasana (Anzcell Cycling). The young Goldecian climber Caleb Foster took again the general classification, leading it with fifty-second seconds ahead of Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur. The next stage was won by Vallish sprinter Yves Mirabeau (Rolareux-Vançotte). After the first rest day, Foster would lose the golden jersey on stage 12, in a 24-km individual time-trial stage which was won by Keszarian Árpad Szebehely (Dido-Great Life) with Nylander Lars Brunewald leading the general classification.

Richard Malone defeated his main rival in the sprint, the Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth the next day, a predictable stage in which the peloton seemed to prepare and rest of the longest stage in this Ceribian Tour, a high mountain stage between the towns of Mvari and Tamani. After a far-away attack, Mutara Gasana (Anzcell Cycling) won his second mountain stage this Ceribian Tour, while the leader Nylander Lars Brunewald arrived more than three minutes after Gasana, becoming Gasana the new leader of the general classification.

On stage 15, Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) won his third individual stage this Ceribian Tour, increasing his lead in the Points classification. Without further changes in the general classification, the peloton was able to contemplate the beautiful landscapes of the eastern Ceribian region, which would include the next three high mountain stages, expected to be crucial to decide the winner of the tour.

On stage 16, a long breakaway was formed, of which Dominique Ruyssen, Almas Cingur (KyrzAir), Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo), and Mykola Tarasenko (Nenergo Cycling) were the only survivors at the beginning of last climb. Tarasenko won the stage after dropping his rivals in the last kms, while Ruyssen climbed to the second position to the general classification.

The next day, Ruyssen and Cingur were again two of the most active riders in the last climb. The 25-year old Kyrzbekistani climber won the stage, allowing him to take both the Mountain classification and Youth classification jerseys, and to climb to the third place in the general classification. Leader Mutara Gasana seemed to pay the efforts made in the last Tour de Valland, in which Gasana finished second behind Gehennan champion Jan Daxenberger, as Ruyssen reduced Gasana's lead in the general classification another minute.

Following the second rest day, the Ceribian Tour prepared for its last mountain stage. Again, Bonchamps and Cingur were two of the main protagonists of the day with far-away attacks. The stage was won by Mordvanian Walentyn Lauterpacht (Mordvelo) who easily outpace Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) and Oslanburgan Nicolaj Bruun (Luft Wurberg) in the final metres. Two minutes later arrived Ruyssen group, who decreased Gasana's lead on the general classification to merely twenty-four seconds, a favourable margin in view of the time-trial stage on stage 20. Pierre Bonchamps was next on the general classification fourty-eigh seconds behind, outplacing Almas Cingur who was next only one second later.

Another battle between Malone and Wieth followed on stage 19, this time was Sven-Ole Wieth who took the victory after beating the Florinthian and Frederik de Jong in the sprint, winning his third individual stage this Ceribian Tour. His second position on the stage allowed Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) to secure him to win the Point classification for seventh time.

In the final ITT on stage 20, which crossed some of the main streets of the Ceribian capital city, Nerysian Ludger Beltz (MTS-Biassoni) won the stage, with a time only two seconds behind Mordvanian Anton Lencek (Mordvelo). Despite a good time-trial for someone who is not exactly a time-trial specialist, it became obvious that Gasana was not going to keep the golden jersey. Dominique Ruyssen ended fourteen seconds behind Beltz on the stage, winning the 1588 Ceribian Tour with a lead of thirty-seven seconds ahead of Gasana, who finished second in an excellent season in which he ended as runner-up in both Grand Tours, only disappointing after winning the Tour de Valland the previous year.

More exciting and unpredictable was the fight for the third place in the podium. Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) was able to defend it, increasing his lead over Cingur by another fourteen seconds. Although visibly disappointed, Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) could find a small consolation in winning both the Mountain and Youth classification.

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Alessio Gagliardi wins 1589 Tour de Valland
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Zechyr 24, 1589


Gagliardi becomes the first Lomarren to win the Tour de Valland


Lauren, Valland - Alessio Gagliardi authoritatively won the 1589 Tour de Valland, becoming the first Lomarren rider to do so.

The Tour started with a 10.1 km individual time trial stage in the town of Anois, which was won by the local rider Xavier de Molinari (NDM Cycling). The next stage was decided in mass sprint, as Oslanburgan sprinter Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) was able to defeat Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Lomarren Francesco Gassendi (NDM Cycling). On stage 3, it was Malone turn to defeat his Oslanburgan rival, with Goldecian Evan Thompson (Ogo Cycling) and Adwestene Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire) ending third and fourth. A similar plot, but different result, followed on stage 4, as Batavian Frederik de Jong (Lentar-RIFF) easily won the sprint against Varchar Mellent (Tyrus-Empire) and Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling). Xavier de Molinari kept the lead on the general classification easily in those three stages.

The first change on the general classification came on stage 5, a breakaway of five riders was succesfully formed, with Ceribian Mzechabuk Robakidze (Bagdati Team) winning the stage. His teammate Tamaz Chkheidze was the new leader of the general classification, followed by Robakidze at twenty-seven seconds behind.

Another breakaway of seven riders was able to surprise the peloton the next day, in which Karjelinnian Yrjö Leppänen (Mordvelo) won the stage after a strong attack in the last km. Oslanburgan Niels Krogh (Scholden-Gulcron), who was also involved in the previous day breakaway, was the new leader of the general classification.

The sprinters had another change on stage 7, in which Richard Malone defeated Frederik de Jong and Ceribian Aka Gamkrelidze (Bagdati Team) to win his second stage this Tour de Valland and to consolidate his lead on the Points classification.

Florinthian Stephen Newgreaves (Helahuvudet Vingard), East Kaljurand Hanno Rüütel (Mordvelo), and Vallish Romain Poquelin (Iskra Team), and Jean-Luc Boisrond (Rolareux-Vançotte), succesfully took a minute to the peloton on stage 8, a long medium mountain stage. Poquelin won the stage, and Niels Krogh would lose the red jersey of the general classification to Boisrond by merely two seconds. It was not expected that Boisrond would be able to defend it for long, though, as the first high mountain stage came the next day.

In the last climb of stage 8, only two riders - Florinthian Stephen Grassi (AHN-Motobank and Harmajaan Börje Lamoy (Helahuvudet Vingard Cycling) remained from the large number of riders who attempted to join the breakaway in the first kms of the stage. Lamoy would outpace the Florinthian and won the stage. Behind, the main group was reduced to seven riders: Oslanburgan Soren Syndergaard (Scholden-Gulcron), Lomarren Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo), Vallish Hippolyte La Chapelle (Télecon Team), Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur (KyrzAir),  Strathaen Sechnall MacCeallaig (United Strathae), East Tambossan Mutara Gasana (Anzcell Cycling), and Adwestene Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire). A last attack allowed Gagliardi to take a few seconds ahead his rivals, but the differences weren't too big. Borjë Lamoy was the new leader of the general classification, becoming the first Harmajaan to do so. Hippolyte La Chapelle was third at fourty-four seconds and Gagliardi fourth at fifty-two seconds.

After the first rest day, sprinters had another change in the next two stages. Stage 10 was won by Adwestene Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire) as he defeated Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life), Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae) and James McCabe (Lentar-RIFF) in a close sprint. Lamoy wasn't able to follow the pace of the peloton, though, probably paying the efforts of the previous day, and the new leader of the general classification was Florinthian Stephen Grassi.

Fyfe was close to repeat victory on stage 11, but he was defeated by Batavian Frederik de Jong (Lentar-RIFF) in the sprint. They were followed by Saratovian Bohdan Staryk (Iskra Team), Tadg, and Richard Malone. The stage was rather calm and without changes in the general classification.

After that pause, high mountain returned on stage 12. Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycling) won the stage after a far-away attack, with Amaury Servan (Rolareux-Vançotte) ending six secons behind. The main group, reduced to eight riders, came one minute later. Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo) was the new leader of the general classification, eight seconds ahead of Harmajaa Börje Lamoy, who was able to remain with the favourites, while Vallish Hippolyte La Chapelle (Télecon Team) was third fourty-six seconds, followed by Adwestene climber Eden Grace Weatherhead one minute and fourty-two seconds behind Gagliardi.

Gagliardi proved to be the strongest rider in high mountain, attacking on stage 13 and winning the stage. Only Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) was able to follow him. Behind, a group of eight riders arrived one minute later. As consequence, Gagliardi increased his lead on the general classification to three minutes and nineteen secons to Lamoy and three minutes and fourty-six seconds to Weatherhead.

Two hilly stages followed, which were decided both in a reduced mass sprint. Stage 14 was won by Batavian Frederik de Jong (Lentar-RIFF) while stage 15 was won by Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth, who defeated clearly to Vallish sprinter Robert Réjane (Rolareux-Vançotte) and Richard Malone. On stage 15, BataVelo team was surprised as the peloton broke in the final 20 kms, and Gagliardi saw reduced his lead in the general classification a minute to several of his main rivals for the final victory.

High mountain returned on stage 16, in which BataVelo imposed a fast pace already on the first climbs. Gagliardi easily resisted in the ten-man main group. The stage, which ended after a dangerous descend was even won by Gagliardi's domestique Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) who defeated Oslanburgan Soren Syndergaard (Scholden-Gulcron) and Mordvanian Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team).

Gagliardi had a comfortable lead now, so he took a rather prudect reaction, protected by his team, when Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire), Mestran Stavros Michelakakis (AHN-Motobank), and Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) attacked in the last climb. Those riders caught the four remaining riders in the breakaway, and they kept a fourty-nine second gap to Gagliardi's group. The stage was won by Sequoian Christophe Malletze (Le Cycle Super). With only the final individual time-trial left, it seemed clear that Gagliardi victory was safe, as he kept gap of four minutes and sixty seconds over Weatherhead, the second in the general classification, and five minutes and fifty-one secons over Eskkyan Amaury Servan. Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycing) and Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) followed at more than six minutes behind Gagliardi. Gagliardi's seventh position in the final climb allowed him to win the Mountain classification as well.

Stage 18, the longest stage this Tour de Valland, was expected to be a calm one before the mentioned ITT. However, BataVelo Team was surprised again in the Vallish plains, and Gagliardi lost two minutes to the fifteen-member main group, in which was his main rival Eden Grace Weatherhead. As a consequence, Gagliardi saw his lead to the Adwestene rider to two minutes and forty-four seconds, a comfortable but not definitive distance. The stage was won by Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life), which helped to secure his victory in the Points classification, which he was going to achieve for sixth time.

The forty-eight km individual time-trial on stage 19 was expected to decide the podium, although most of the Top 10 riders on the general classification were not exactly time-trial specialists. The stage was won by Ceribian Nino Gonashvili (Bagdati Team). Gagliardi was even able to increase his lead over Eden Grace Weatherhead to the final three minutes and thirty-four seconds - the second podium for the Adwestene climber as he already second as well in the 1586 Tour de Valland. Amaury Servan (Rolareux-Vançotte) kept easily and comfortably the third position at five-minutes and fifty-one seconds behind Gagliardi.

Mordvanian Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team) did an unexpectedly good ITT despite not being a specialist, which allowed him to take the fourth position on the general classification, at seven minutes and eighty-seconds behind Gagliardi, a second less than Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycling), who lost the fourth position by merely one second. Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) ended sixth, seven minutes and forty-seven seconds behind Gagliardi. The stage allowed Hubert Salika (Tyrus-Empire) to climb to the final eight place on the general classification and the final Youth classification.

In the final stage, Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) defeated Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling), Vienlander Anders Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) and Adwestene Varchar Mellent (Tyurs-Empire) to claim his third stage this Tour de Valland.

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Jose Cardoso wins 1589 Ceribian Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Nueva 26, 1589


Jose Cardoso gave MTS-Biassoni Team a second Ceribian Tour



Etora, Ceribia - Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassoni) won the 1589 Ceribian Tour, in which he found no rival in the high mountain.

The 1589 Ceribian Tour started with a short individual time-trial (ITT) stage which was won by Goldecian Akachi Ayodele (Ogo Cycling). The stage 2 was decided in a chaotic mass sprint, won by Vienlander Anders Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling). The third stage was won by Batavian Frederik de Jong, who was able to defeat Florinthian Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling).

The first changes on the general classification came on stage 4, a hilly stage with small climb only 3 km from the finish, although differences between the main contenders to the general classification were not too big. The stage was won by Dominique Ruyssen (MTS-Biassoni), the 1588 champion, who proved to be ready to repeat the triumph in Ceribia. The new leader on the general classification was Oslanburgan Niels Krogh (Scholden-Gulcron).

A breakaway was formed on stage 5, which was won by Hanes Vincent (Druzhberg Cycling), who also took the general classification jersey after the peloton ended forty-four seconds behind. The next stage was decided in a mass sprint, won by Adwestene sprinter Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire). Vincent was involved in a crash, although he could finish the stage, he lost time and the new leader was Strathaen Toirdhealbhach Kyran.

The first high mountain stage arrived on stage 8. The main group was reduced to eight riders, including Tour de Valland winner Alessio Gagliardi, and it was won by the young Goldecian climber Caleb Foster, who defeated Florinthian Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life). Ceribian Tamaz Chkheidze became the new leader of the general classification, which he would keep for the next three stages.

The following three stages were decided in a mass sprint, without important changes in the general classification. Oslanburgan sprinter Sven-Ole Wieth would win on stages 9 and 11, while Batavian Frederik de Jong (Lentar-RIFF) won on stage 10.

James McCabe (Lentar-RIFF) won stage 12, which ended only shortly a long descend which broke the peloton in several groups. Jack Marshall (Royal Abbott), the last promise of Goldecian cycling, became the new leader of the general classification.

High mountain returned on stage 13. Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) won the stage and took the red jersey after a far-away attack. However, he could not retain it the next day, as he dropped after attacks of Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassoni) and Vallish climber Benoît Montfleury. The main group was reduced five riders -including Cardoso and Montfleury, along Jonathan Geissler, Jan Daxenberger and Tsuji Tomohiko, followed by another group of six riders which included Tamaz Chkheidze and Mutara Gasana. Cardoso won the stage after outpacing his rivals in the last km, becoming as well the new leader of the general classification.

Stage 14 was an individual time-trial which included a few hills. The stage was won Zargistani Ahmat Balkan (KyrzAir) and Cardoso was able to retain the general classification. Pierre Bonchamps was second, one minute and twenty seconds behind, with Tamaz Chkheidze climbing to the third position, two-minutes and twenty-one seconds behind. However, the options for the Ceribian rider complicated as he lost a minute in the next stage, a hilly stage won by Balan Esclados (Le Cycle Super), who became the first Galasian to win a stage in the Ceribian Tour.

Chkheidze didn't throw in the towel, and he was attacked from afar, despite the terrain was not the best to make big differences. A breakaway of six riders, including Chkheidze, arrived together in the last kms. Chkheidze attacked again in the last 2 kms, enough to win the stage, the first and only stage win for a Ceribian riders this Ceribian Tour. The peloton arrived about forty seconds later.

The effort proved to be futile, though, as Chkheidze could to follow the pace of the main group in the last climb the next day, losing another minute to Jose Cardoso. While Castlian climber was able to distance his main rivals for the general classification, he didn't fight for the stage this time, which was won the 1589 Tour de Valland winner, Alessio Gagliardi (Batavelo), after defeating Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) who climbed to the fourth place in the general classification.  

In the last mountain stage, Cardoso took a more offensive tactic attacking and surprising his main rivals, who were not able to follow him. He was close to win the stage, arriving to the finish only a dozen of seconds after Goldecian Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling), the last member of the early breakaway, who won his second stage this Ceribian Tour. Still, Cardoso's second place was able to distance all his rivals before the last ITT and to take the Mountain classification as well.

Cardoso's main rival, Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps, lost more than two minutes, which gave Cardoso a lead on the general classification of six minutes and fifty-six seconds. It ended worse for Tamaz Chkheidze, who lost more than five minutes to Cardoso, and therefore losing all options to the podium. 1587 Ceribian Tour winner, the Oslanburgan Grzegorz Sutzkever (KDK-Magram) was third, seven minutes and forty-four seconds behind Cardoso, while Florinthian Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) being fourth at seven minutes and fifty-four seconds.

The final 44-km ITT was expected to decide the podium, with Cardoso having a more than safe lead over his rivals. The stage was won by Vallish time-trialist Robert Annequin (NDM Cycling). Pierre Bonchamps, who started the stage as second on the general classification, had a poor performance, finishing more than five minutes after Annequin time. He fell as consequence from the second to the sixth place. Grzegorz Sutzkever (KDK-Magram) finished second in the general classification, six minutes and nine seconds behind Cardoso, while Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) was third, six minutes and thirty four seconds, also winning the Youth classification. Tamaz Chkheidze ended fourth after a good time-trial, which allowed him to climb for the eighth to the final fourth place in the classification, at eigh minutes and seventeen seconds to the winner. Jan Daxenberger (NDM Cycling) was fifth at eight minutes and thirty-three seconds.

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Eden Grace Weatherhead wins 1590 Tour de Valland
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Zechyr 24, 1590


Eden Grace Weatherhead won his first Tour de Valland, after finishing twice in the podium (1586 and 1589)


Lauren, Valland - Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) won the 1590 Tour de Valland.

The 1590 Tour de Valland started in Athenne, Kyrland, with a victory of Kavean sprinter Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling). On the following stage, the victory was for Nauer's teammate Ander Vitecz while Nauer continued as leader of the general classification. Stage 3, a 35-km team time-trial stage, was won by Télecon Team. Keszarian sprinter Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling) wasa the new leader of the general classification.

There was not much action or differences in the general classification during the next week, as teams with sprinters were able to easily control the race, and despite attempts to create successful breakways, every one of the next six stages ending at mass sprint. Already on Vallish territory, Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) defeated Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling) to win his first stage this Tour de Valland. Veteran Vallish sprinter Robert Réjane won stage 5, after outpacing de Jong and Nauer in the final metres. Vallish Eugéne Du Tillet (Télecon Team) would become the next leader of the general classification, after Nyíregyházi was affected in a crash.

Frederik de Jong won his second stage on stage 6, a hilly stage between Mailly and Leune-saint-Troyes, after defeating Richard Malone. The Batavian sprinter was close to won his third stage the next day, but he was defeated by Oslanburgan sprinter Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron), while Richard Malone was close again, ending third. Xavier de Molinari (NDM Cycling) was the new leader of the general classification, which he could keep until stage 10.

On Stage 8, Frederik de Jong won his third stage, after defeating Richard Malone and Kárdas Nyíregyházi. Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) would finally win his first individual stage the next day, after defeating de Jong and Adwestene sprinter Varchar Mellent (Tyrus-Empire).

The high mountain would arrive on stage 10, with a 79-km stage ended in a demanding first-category climb. The main group, reduced to twenty riders, was able to neutralize any breakaway or attack before the final kilometres. There were not big differences in the general classification, and the stage was won by Mordvanian Joze Prezeren (Mordvelo). Oslanburgan Jonathan Geissler (ZMG-Nissen) became the leader of the general classification.

Another and longer high mountain stage was waiting on stage 11. The main group was already reduced to six riders this time at the final climb, including Jonathan Geissler and his teammate Zachariah Nordfeldt, Romain Poquelin (Iskra Team and Benoît Montfleury (Télecon Team), Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo), and Adwestene climber Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire). A last attack by the Vallish climber Benoît Montfleury was only answered by Nylander Zachariah Nordfeldt. The Nylander would eventually leave Montfleury behind, catching the two remaining breakaway riders -Batavian Jaap Frisch and Florinthian Stephen Grassi- and won his first high mountain stage in his first Tour de Valland participation. Jonathan Geissler would arrive thirty-four seconds later, and therefore allowing Nordfeldt to become the new leader of the general classification -thanks to the stage bonus seconds- by merely two seconds ahead of his alleged team leader. Despite Nordfeldt's performance, ZMG-Nissen director assured that they had no doubts and Geissler was to continue as the only team leader.

That seemed confirmed on the next stage, as Zachariah Nordfeldt could not follow the pace of the main group in the last climb, reduced then to nine riders. Only Geissler, Prezeren and Florinthian Stephen Newgreaves (Helahuvudet Vingard) could follow the last attack by Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycling), although there were not big differences between those remaining nine riders. Mordvanian Joze Prezeren (Mordvelo) outpaced his rivals to win his second mountain stage. Jonathan Geissler was now followed in the general classification by Vallish climbers Roman Poquelin (Iskra Team) at one minute and forty-seven seconds and Benoît Montfleury (Télecon Team) at two minutes and twenty-six seconds. Zachariah Nordfeldt fell to the fifth place, after losing more than three minutes that stage.

Three calm but fast stages followed, all of them ended in a mass sprint again. Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling) won stage 13, defeating Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling) and Frederik de Jong. Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) would win the next stage in a close sprint in which de Jong finished second and Nyìregyházi finished third. Frederik de Jong won stage 15, winning his fourth stage and consolodating his lead in the Points classification.

High mountain returned on stage 16, with a long and demanding stage. Télecon Team imposed a high pace, which increased when Benôit Montfleury attacked 80 km before finish. Montfleury's attack enlivened Vallish fans, and he was the virtual leader of the general classification during many kms. While Montfleury's attack was not eventually successful, it allowed to show the weakness of Jonathan Geissler, who already dropped at the beggining of the last climb, only helped by Zachariah Nordfeldt. Montfleury would be caught soon afterwards and he was unable to follow the pace of the remaining main group, which was soon reduced to four riders: Romain Poquelin (Iskra), Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling), Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir), and Batavian Jaap Frisch (BataVelo). Caleb Foster won the stage after leaving behind Poquelin and Cingur in the last 500m, but Poquelin was the "great winner" of the stage, as he took the general classification jersey with an apparently comfortable lead. Adwestene climber Eden Grace Weatherhead was second at one-minute and forty seconds, while Geissler was third now at two minutes and forty-nine seconds after losing more than four minutes that stage.

However, Poquelin would pay the efforts on the previous day on stage 17, a long flat stage in which the peloton broke apart in the final thirty kilometres. As a consequence, he would lose on minute to Weatherhead and forty-seconds to Geissler. The stage, decided in a reduced mass sprint, was won by Florinthian Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) who defeated Ceribian Aka Gamkrelidze (Bagdati) and Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg) in the final metres.

In the final mountain stage, a large breakaway was formed, with Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) -10th in the general classification- as main rider in the breakaway. Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) and Nerysian Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) showed to be the two stronger riders in the final kms. In the last metres, the more experienced Eskkyan climber easily defeated Käufer. Meanwhile, Weatherhead attacked and dropped Poquelin and Geissler.

Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) took the general classification, with a lead over Poquelin that seemed more than enough for the final individual time-trial stage, as the Vallish climber was two minutes and forty-eight seconds behind the Adwestene climber. Jonathan Geissler was at third five-minutes and seventeen seconds, while his teammate Zachariah Nordfeldt was fourth at five-minutes and forty-nine seconds. Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) climbed to the fifth position, but more than seven minutes on the general classification, without real options to the podium.

The final ITT, won by Vallish time-trialist Eugéne Du Tillet (Télecon Team) and, although Weatherhead had a more than comfortable time-trial, it proved decisive to decide the podium. Zachariah Nordfeldt (ZMG-Nissen), who had started the stage outside the podium, proved to be a competitive time-trialist, with a final second position in the general classification, three-minutes and forty-six seconds behind Weatherhead, a promising and incredible debut in the Tour de Valland, which includes winning a mountain stage and the Youth classification. Romain Poquelin (Iskra Team), also losing the second place, was able to comfortably keep a place of the podium, ending third minutes and fifty seconds.

With a bad performance, Jonathan Geissler was unable once more to finish in podium in Valland, finishing five minutes and fifty-nine seconds behind Weatherhead. Zelko Bratansek (Mordvelo) kept the fifth position in the general classification, followed by another two young and promising riders, Jaap Frisch (BataVelo) and Oslanburgan Jorgen Exner (Luft Wurberg). Mordvanian Joze Prezeren (Mordvelo) was seventh, after an irregular Tour in which the Mordvanian rider won two mountain stages and the Mountain classification.

A calm and without incidences stage waited the riders in the final stage in Lauren, in which Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) became the third Adwestene rider to win the Tour de Valland - the first time since 1531. The stage was won by Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) who defeated Keszarian Kárdas Nyíregyházi and Strathaen Aonghus Éamon Tadg to win his third stage this Tour de Valland.

The Points classification was won by Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF), his second after 1588.

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Romain Poquein wins 1590 Ceribian Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Nueva 28, 1590


Romain Poquelin


Etora, Ceribia - 33-year old Romain Poquelin (Iskra Team) won the Ceribian Tour, his first Grand Tour, completing a great season.

The Ceribian Tour started with a 11.1 km team time-trial stage (TTT), which was won by local team KDK-Magram. As consequence, the young Shalva Jughasvili -first KDK-Magram rider to cross the finish- become in the first leader of the 1590 Ceribian Tour.

On stage 2, Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) defeated Oslanburgan sprinter Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) and Francesco Gassendi (NDM Cycling) to win his 47th stage in the Ceribian Tour. Malone, who as stage winner would also lead the Points classification for first day- will keep the Point classification for the next 19 stages, breaking a new recond on the Ceribian Tour. As consequence of the eight bonus seconds obtained as second at the stage, Sven-Ole Wieth was the new leader of the general classification.

On Stage 3, also finished in a mass sprint, Batavian sprinter Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) defeated Malone, Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) and Francesco Gassendi to win the stage.

On stage 4, which entered Angirisian territory, a small climb four km before the finish was expected to add some action. A group of six riders was formed. Hubert Salika (Tyrus-Empire) attacked from it in the last km but he was unable to drop Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life) who easily won the stage on the sprint. East Kaljuran Hanno Rüütel (Iskra Team) became the new leader of the general classification, becoming the first East Kaljurand rider to do so in the Ceribian Tour.

Another two hilly stages followed, but slightly more friendly for sprinters. Both were finished in mass sprint. On stage 5, Richard Malone was able to defeat Frederik de Jong and Francesco Gassendi to win his second individual stage this Ceribian Tour. The next day, Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling) defeated Gassendi and Aka Gamkrelidze (Bagdati) to win the stage in a chaotic sprint.

The first mountain stage arrived on stage 7. Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team), Amaury Servan (Rolareux-Vançotte) and Ceribian Mukhran Chavchavadze (KDK-Magram) were able to leave behind the main group after several attacks in the beginning of the last climb. Servan would drop Kryzanek first and Chavchavadze later to comfortably win the stage and become the leader of the general classification. The main group arrived forty seconds after Servan, without important differences between the rest of favourites.

Before the second high mountain stage, a flat stage awaited on stage 8. Finished in a previsible mass sprint, Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) defeated Richard Malone and Filip Naeur (Druzhberg Cycling) to win the stage.

On the last climb on stage 9, attacks by Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo) and 1590 Tour de Valland winner Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) reduced the main group to nine riders. Weatherhead dropped Gagliardi to win the stage and climb to the second position in the general classification. Mordvanian Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team) was the new leader of the general classification.

The next two stages, both ended in mass sprint, were both won by Richard Malone who consolidated his provisional lead on the Point classification. There was not any important change in the general classification during those stages.

The main group was reduced to nine riders in the last climb on stage 12, in which returned to high mountain. Only Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) and Mordvanian Marcus Gucevicius (Rolareux-Vançotte) could follow the last attack by Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycling). Lomarren climber Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo) was the new leader of the general classification, with thirty-three seconds ahead of Weatherhead, and forty-three seconds ahead of Hubert Salika (Tyrus-Empire).

BataVelo team imposed a fast pace along the next stage, and at the start of the last climb, the main group was already reduced to twelve riders, with Adwestene Salika and Weatherhead dropping afterwards. Gagliardi answered every attack until, shortly before 2km from finish, Romain Poquelin (Iskra Team) attacked followed by Florinthian Stephen Grassi and Gagliardi's domestique Pierre Bonchamps. Poquelin outpaced Bonchamps and Grassi in the final metres to win the stage. Ten seconds later, Gagliardi and Lars Brunewald arrived. With more than two minutes ahead of Käufer and Poquelin, Gagliardi's leadership seemed comfortable enough.

However, the next stage did not start as well for the BataVelo team, as Gagliardi showed weakness before even the last climb, and with Bonchamps as only support. After several attacks, riders were dropping from the main group until only four riders remained: Romain Poquelin (Iskra), Eden Grace Weatherhead, Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) and Benoît Montfleury (Télecon Team).  The four arrived together, with Montfleury winning the stage on sprint. Poquelin was the new leader of the general classification, with only three seconds ahead Gagliardi, who lost more than two minutes. Weatherhead remained third, fifty-three seconds behind Poquelin.

Stage 15 was a 19.7km time-trial, with a terrain slightly favourable to climbers, as the stage started in a climb. The stage was won, however, by Goldecian Bryce Ward (ZMG-Nissen) a time-trial specialist. Poquelin increased his lead to Gagliardi from three to sixteen seconds. Weatherhead, who didn't an exactly impressive time-trial, was now one-minute and forty-one seconds behind, with his teammate Salika at fourth one minute and fifty-one seconds. Almas Cingur was fifth at one minute and fifty-eight seconds.

The Tour de Valland champion did not threw in the towel, attacking in the last climb the next stage. He found some help in the last two riders from the breakaway, Goldecian Daniel Upton Steele (Ogo Cycling) and Nentsian Ryhor Martsinkyevich (MTS-Biassoni). Weatherhead clearly paid the efforts during the last kms and he was easily defeated in the last metres by Steele. As consequence, Poquelin saw his lead reduced to eleven seconds over Weatherhead.

Stage 17, a hilly stage, did not bring changes in the general classification. Finished in a mass sprint, Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) won the stage, his second individual stage this Ceribian Tour.

A large breakaway was early formed on stage 18, of which seven riders resisted on the final stage. On the descend, Mordvanian Joze Prezeren (Mordvelo) and Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) took a small but clear distance over the rest of riders. Frazer won the stage on the sprint, giving Dido-Great Life its fifth individual stage this Ceribian Tour.
Weatherhead, after a risky descend, ended twenty-four seconds ahead, and therefore taking the golden jersey.

In the last high mountain stage, however, Poquelin found in BataVelo team an ally against Weatherhead, who proved to be a more irregular rider in this Ceribian Tour than he did in his recent victory in the Tour de Valland - probably another proof of how difficult is to win both Grand Tours the same season, last time achieved in 1582 by Nylander Elton Isaksson. Weatherhead lost more than two minutes, which gave a clear advantage to Poquelin before the final individual time-trial stage. The stage was won by Zachariah Nordfeldt (ZMG-Nissen), completing a very promising season, in which he won two mountain stages in both Grand Tours and runner-up in the Tour de Valland. Gagliardi was now second, fifty-four seconds behind Poquelin - also the Vallish rider was considered better at ITT.

Stage 20, a 44-km ITT along Etora, was won by Robert Annequin (NDM Cycling), who was eight seconds faster than Eugéne Du Tillet (Télecon Team). There were not changes in the podium, with Poquelin increasing his lead over Gagliardi to one minute and one second, while Weatherhead ended third two minutes and forty seconds behind the Vallish champion. Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) was fourth, three minutes and three seconds behind Poquelin. The 1587 Ceribian Tour winner Grzegorz Sutzkever (KDK-Magram) was fifth, improving two positions, to a final three minutes and seventeen seconds behind Poquelin.

The Mountain classification was won by Weatherhead, while the Youth classification was won by Nentsian Ryhor Martsinkyevich (MTS-Biassoni), who ended eight in the general classification. Veteran sprinter Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) won the Points classification for eight time.

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Weatherhead wins his second Tour de Valland
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Zechyr 23, 1591


Weatherhead won stage 17, which decided the race


Lauren, Valland - Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) won his second Tour de Valland, becoming the first Adwestene rider to win the Tour twice.

Batavian Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) showed soon to be the strongest sprinter in the peloton, winning the first three stages. Stage 4, a 26-km individual time-trial, was won by Mordvanian Borislav Rubek (Mordvelo). He would take the general classification jersey, which he will be able to keep until the first high mountain stage, on stage 9.

Stage 5, expected to be a rather calm stage, had a rather tense final as the peloton broke appart, allowing a small group to take a short lead in the final kilometres. The stage was won by Mordvanian Javor Struna (MTS-Biassoni), after defeating in the sprint to 1590 Ceribian Tour winner Romain Poquelin (Télecon Team), Kyrzbekistani Kazbek Noorhamatur (KyrzAir) and Vallish Germain Guimard (Scholden-Gulcron).

The next stage, although a hilly stage which many considered favourable for a breakaway, was decided in a mass sprint. Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling) defeated Mordvanian Miroslav Gradishar (Iskra Team) and Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) to win the stage. On stage 7, Frederik de Jong would win again after defeating Varchar Mellent (Tyrus-Empire) in a close sprint. On stage 8, Frederik de Jong would win his fifth stage this Tour after easily outpacing Richard Malone and Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) in the final metres.

The high mountain arrived on stage 9, which ended in a solitary but long climb. The main group, reduced to thirteen riders, caught the survivors from the breakaway in the final kilometres, and Romain Poquelin (Télecon Team) won the stage without opposition. Mordvanian Marcus Gucevicius (Vançotte Team) was the new leader of the general classification, with a forty-six lead overr Poquelin.

Poquelin, third the previous season and 1590 Ceribian Tour winner, now riding for the powerful Vallish team Télecon, inspired hope after his performance in the previous days. However, he far to keep the pace of the race the next day, being unable to remain in the main group after the first attack by Weatherhead. After a third attack, only Ceribian Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) was able to follow the Adwestene climber. 1588 Tour de Valland winner Jan Daxenberger (Magram) would win the stage, after outpacing the other two remaining riders from the breakaway, Nerysian Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) and Kyrzbekistani Kazbek Noorhamatur (KyrzAir). Weatherhead would cross the finish eleven seconds after Daxenberger. Chkheidze lost twelve seconds to Weatherhead, with allowed him to become leader of the general classification with only nine seconds ahead of Weatherhead. Mordvanian Marcus Gucevicius was third, forty-seven seconds to Chkheidze.

Stage 11 was expected to be a transition stage. However, a windy day created some tension in the last kms, and some of the favourites lost some day as consequence. Between then, Weatherhead, who lost thirty seconds to the main group. Chkheidze lead over the Adwestene champion increased to thirty-nine seconds. The stage was won by Frederik de Jong, who defeated Ander Vitecz and Anders Mikkelsen to win his sixth stage, becoming the third rider to do so.

Stage 12, a flat stage between Tailly and Maphin, ended in a mass sprint as well. The stage was won by Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron), who defeated Richard Malone and Anders Mikkelsen (Luft Wurberg) to win the stage. Stage 13 resulted a more chaotic stage with similar result, as Sven-Ole Wieth defeated Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) in a reduced main group as the peloton broke apart in the final kilometres. Several of the top riders in the general classification lost considerably time, including Chkheidze and Weatherhead. Mordvanian Marcus Gucevicius, who remained in the main group, retook the general classification jersey as consequence.

Stage 14, a flat stage decided in a mass sprint, brought no important changes in the general classification. The stage was won by Lomarren sprinter Francesco Gassendi (Helahuvudet Vingard), who defeated Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) and Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) in a close sprint.

The high mountain returned on stage 15, with an exciting stage. Aivars Helmanis (Bagdati) and Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) attacked from afar, while the red jersey Marcus Gucevicius dropped from the main group already before the last climb. Helmanis and Käufer would catch the last rider from the breakaway, Nylander Blaise Brunschvicq (ZMG-Nissen) in the final kilometres. Meanwhile, behind Weatherhead attacked, and only Guimard, Daxenberger, Sequoian Flexor and Montfleury were able to follow him. Käufer won the stage, taking both the general classification and Mountain classification jersey in an almost perfect day. Helmanis was second in the general classification, only six seconds behind Käufer. Vallish all-rounder Germain Guimard (Scholden-Gulcron) was third at twelve seconds and Weatherhead fourth at twenty-three seconds.

Stage 16 was a tough high mountain stage, although with the last climb more than twenty kilometres from the finish, it was not clear if the stage would bring many changes in the general classification. As the last riders from the breakaway were already caught in the final kilometres of the last climb, Nylander Lars Brunewald (NDM Cycling) attacked in the descend, followed by Hubert Salika (Tyrus-Empire). The Adwestene rider would defeat Brunewald on the sprint, although the move was criticized by some, as Weatherhead lost twenty seconds to Käufer in the descend. Weatherhead was second now at forty-seven seconds, while his teammate Hubert Salika was third at two minutes and eighteen seconds.

With only a mountain stage and a long individual time trial left, there was a high expectation for the last mountain stage, as Käufer, with an apparently comfortably forty-seven lead to Weatherhead, was considered a much better time-trialist than the Adwestene climber. There were some doubt about the attitude of Tyrus-Empire that stage, if Weatherhead was willing to risk everything to win his second Tour de Valland, or rather the Adwestene team would have a more cautious tactic in order to assure two riders in the podium. Tyrus-Empire did not wait and stepped up the pace of the main group since the first kilometres on stage 17. Käufer was already dropped when Weatherhead attacked for first time in the last climb. Weatherhead would launch a final attack to catch the remaining rider from the breakaway, Goldecian Daniel Upton Steele (Ogo Cycling) and win the stage. Käufer arrived to the finish almost five minutes later, losing any option for the Tour, although he kept the Mountain classification.

Weatherhead had now a more than comfortable lead before the last ITT, with two-minutes and fifty-five seconds to Kazemuran Ryouichi Takenaka (Le Cycle Super), who showed a great level in the third week of the race. Aivars Helmanis (Bagdati) was third at three minutes and forty-three seconds, and Benôit Montfleury was fourth at three minute and forty-four seconds, although they could only have a small hope for the final time-trial, as Nerysian Wulf Käufer was fifth at four minutes and six seconds, and barely twenty seconds did not look at a safe lead for such a long ITT stage.

After the final rest day, the peloton took it easy on stage 18, which ended in a mass sprint. Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) won his third stage, after defeating Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) and Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life).

Despite his apparently safe lead, Weatherhead had not a relaxed day in the 54-km final individual time-trial stage, as Ryouichi Takenaka (Le Cycle Super) reduced Weatherhead's lead more than two minutes to the final forty-six seconds. The biggest surprise came as Florinthian David Hayward (Télecon Team) climbed from the tenth position to the third place of the podium. Hayward, the fourth fastest rider that stage, improved Weatherhead's time more than four minutes, ending at two minutes and eighteen seconds, only two seconds ahead of Nerysian Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg). Helmanis ended fifth at two minutes and twenty-seven seconds, while Germain Guimard (Scholden-Gulcron) was the best Vallish rider in the general classification, at two minutes and forty-one seconds, also winning the Youth classification. Benoît Monfleury had the opposite result than his teammate, dropping from the forth position to the final eleventh place after a terrible time-trial.

Batavian Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) won the final stage in Lauren, winning his seventh stage this Tour de Valland - breaking Richard Malone's record, who had won six stages in 1582 and 1584. De Jong also won the Points classification for third time, becoming the third rider to do so.

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Almas Cingur wins 1591 Ceribian Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Nueva 26, 1591


Almas Cingur proved to be the best climber in the last mountain stages, winning a stage and the Ceribian Tour's Mountain classification for second time.


Etora, Ceribia - Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) became the first Kyrzbekistani rider to win the Ceribian Tour. He had ended fourth the previous season.

The first stage, a 9-km individual time-trial, was won by Nentsian Aliaksei Radziwilo (Nenergo Cycling). The next two stages followed the predictable script and were decided in mass sprint. On stage 2, Keszarian sprinter Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling) defeated Mordvanian Miroslav Gradishar (Iskra Team) and Batavian Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) to win his first stage in a Grand Tour. The following day, Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) defeated Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) and Frederik de Jong.

On stage 4, a 33-km team time-trial created the first important differences in the general classification. The stage was won by NDM Cycling, and Xavier de Molinari was the new leader of the general classification. The sprinters had another chance before the first high mountain stage the next day, in which Wieth won his second stage this Ceribian Tour after defeated Richard Malone and Vallish sprinter Antoine Duchesnay (Vançotte Team).

The Veteran East Tambossan climber Mutara Gasana (Tyrus-Empire) was the first one to attack the main group, then reduced to twelve riders, in the last climb. He was later followed by Hippolyte La Chapelle. In the last kilometres they were joined by Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) and 1590 Ceribian Tour winner Romain Poquelin (Télecon Team). Poquelin won the stage after a final attack in the final metres, becoming the new leader of the general classification.

The next stage, ended in a category-2 climb was not expected to create important differences in the general classification. Tyrus-Empire, however, tried soon to prove otherwise, first working hard to avoid any successful breakaway, and moving the race soon in the last climb. Only Ceribian Mukhran Chavchavadze (Magram) could follow the definitive attack by Tour de Valland winner Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire). They joined Zachariah Nordfeldt (ZMG-Nissen), Grzegorz Sutzkever (Helahuvudet Vingard Cycling) and Kazbek Noorhamatur (KyrzAir), who had attacked in the previous climb. Weatherhead won the stage after defeating Nordfeldt and Noorhamatur in the final metres. The new leader was his teammate Mutara Gasana, followed by Chavchavadze at eight seconds and Poquelin at nine. Salika was fourth at fifteen seconds while Weatherhead climbed to the eight position at twenty-nine seconds.

The stage clearly created expectations if Weatherhead and Tyrus-Empire could repeat the performance we saw in the last Tour de Valland. However, they soon faded away. Benoît Montfleury broke the race with a long attack, only Chavchavadze and Sechnall MacCeallaig (United Strathae) could follow him. Behind, the main group was reduced to seven riders, with no Tyrus-Empire rider on it. The three riders would catch Lars Brunewald (NDM Cycling), the last rider from the breakaway, in the final kilometres. The Strathaen climber would outpace his rivals in the last km, winning easily the stage. Mukhran Chavchavadze (Magram) was the new leader of the general classification, with a lead of one minute and two seconds over Brunewald, inspiring hope to the local fans.

Two medium-montain stages followed. On stage 9, Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançote) and Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) would surprise with a faraway attack, in which they found cooperation in a large breakaway. Nylander Chester Stenbeck (Anzcell-RIFF) won the stage after easily beating on the sprint to La Chapelle and other four riders. La Chapelle and Chkheidze would climb to the sixth and seventh positions in the general classification respectively. The next stage was won by Nentsian Ryhor Martsinkyevich (MTS-Biassoni) with no changes in the general classification.

After the first rest day, high mountain returned on stage 11. The main group, reduced to thirteen riders, arrived together to the last kilometres of the last climb. Strathaen climber Sechnall MacCeallaig was again one of the most active and attacking riders. Following a final acceleration of the Strathaen rider, Goldecian Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling), Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo), and Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) created a small gap with the rest of riders of the main group. Bratansek outpaced Cingur, Foster and Sechnall in the last 500 metres to win the stage. Mukhran Chavchavadze led the general classification one day more. Amaury Servan (Nenergo Cycling) was second, at one minute and twenty-three seconds, while La Chapelle was third at one minute and forty-five seconds.

Stage 13 allowed some rest to the peloton, which finished the stage almost a hour later than expected. The stage was decided in a mass sprint, won by Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life), after defeating Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM Cycling) and Miroslav Gradishar (Iskra Team) in a close sprint. It was the 51th individual stage for the Florinthian sprinter in the Ceribian Tour, who had recently announced that he would retire at the end of this season unless he won the World Championship in Athos, Ceribia, at the end of the season. The stage also allowed Malone to wear the Points classification jersey for first time this Ceribian Tour, overcoming Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth who had been wearing the green jersey since stage 5.

Mordvanians Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra Team) and  Marcus Gucevicius (Vançotte) were the last survivors from the breakaway in the last climb. Behind, the main group was reduced to twenty riders. Gucevicius would defeat his countryman, winning his first stage in a Grand Tour. Mukhran Chavchavadze would suffer and struggle to keep the red jersey, which he would be able to keep by only three seconds over Benoît Montfleury. Sechnall MacCeallaig and Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) were next at twenty six seconds while Kyrzbakistani Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) was fifth at twenty-eight seconds.

Chavchavadze's hopes would evaporate the following day, as he was soon unable to follow the pace of the main group, accelerated by BataVelo team. Only Oslanburgan Jonathan Geissler (ZMG-Nissen), Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) and Florinthian Stephen Newgreaves (Helahuvudet Vingard) were the only ones able to follow Alessio Gagliardi and Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) in the last kilometres. Gagliardi won easily the stage after outpacing the other four rivals. Eskkya Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) was the new leader of the general classification, in which Mukhran Chavchavadze dropped to the 16th position after losing more than three minutes.

Stage 15 was expected to be another calm transition stage before the last rest day, but Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) and Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) surprised with a faraway attack. It was not a great day for BataVelo, as Pierre Bonchamps was barely able to remain in the peloton in the main group. Bratansek would defeat Lomarren Massimo Magnani (Anzcell-RIFF), and Asham Borran (Druzhberg) to win his second individual stage this Ceribian Tour. Eskkyan Amaury Servan (Nenergo Cycling) was the new leader of the general classification, with Bratansek mereley at three seconds -along a comfortable lead in the Youth classification- and Bonchamps third now at twenty-seven seconds.

Vallish Romain Guimard (Scholden-Gulcron), Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançotte), and Ceribian Shalva Jughasvili (Magram) were the main protagonist of stage 16, while behind the group was reduced to eight riders. The young Shalva Jughasvili won the stage, giving the Ceribian fans their first joy. It was not Servan's best day this time, as he finished more than four minutes after the stage winner. Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) was the new leader of the general classification, with Bonchamps second at seventeen seconds and Jonathan Geissler third at fifty-seven seconds.

There was no surprise on stage 17, expected to be the last chance for the sprinters, which was decided in a mass sprint. Richard Malone (Dido-Great Life) defeated Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) and Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) to win the stage. Jonathan Geissler would suffer a puncture who made him to lose twenty seconds and, as consequence, the third provisional place in the podium to Almas Cingur, without any important change in the general classification.

Now, the last two high mountain stages and the final time-trial were expected to decide the general classification, in which it seemed that anything is possible. Magram, Bagdati, and United Strathae teams -probably with their mind on the stage rather than the general classification- imposed a hard pace, which selected considerably the main group. Riders such as Geissler, Servan, Bonchamps and La Chapelle were already suffering in the first curves of the last climb. The definitive attack came from Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) winning the stage after a long attack. Bratansek, who lost twenty-seven seconds to Cingur, retained the red jersey, with his lead to the Kyrzbekistani climber reduced to thirty-eight seconds. Lomarre climber Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo) who arrived second in the stage, was third at two minutes and nineteen seconds. Jonathan Geissler was fourth at two minutes and fifty-five seconds, while Tamaz Chkheidze was the sixth. Bonchamps, after losing more than four minutes, was seventh.

On stage 19, the final high mountain stage, a breakaway with important riders such Grzegorz Sutzkever (Magram), Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassoni), Germain Guimard and Nicolaj Bruun (Luft Wurberg), and Aivars Helmanis (Bagdati) was formed, although nobody posed a real threat for the general classification. Behind, the main group was already reduced to eleven riders. Bratansek started to struggle in that group, while Tamaz Chkheidze resisted the attacks by Eden Grace Weatherhead and Almas Cingur.
Germain Guimard defeated Sutzkever in the final metres to win his first Grand Tour stage, while Bratansek would end losing more than a minute to Cingur group. As consequence, Almas Cingur was the new leader in the general classification with a lead of thirty-seven seconds over Bratansek before the last individual time-trial. Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) was third at two minutes and twenty seconds, while Gagliardi was now fourth at two minutes and fifty one seconds. Sutzkever improved two positions in the general classification to the fifth place at three minutes and thirty-five seconds.

Stage 20, a 37-km ITT which ended in Etora, was won by Vallish time-trialist Robert Annequin (NDM Cycling), one of the top specialists in the peloton. Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) resisted to lost barely more than a minute to Ceribian Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati), becoming the second Kyrzbekistani rider to win a Grand Tour and the first one to win the Ceribian Tour. The time-trial served at least to Chkheidze to end second -at one minute and twenty-six seconds in the final general classification-, the best position for a Ceribian rider in the Ceribian Tour since 1572, when Zurab Avakidze won the Ceribian Tour. Mordvanian Zeljko Bratansek (Mordvelo) could comfortably keep the third place in the podium, ending at two minutes and one seconds, also winning clearly the Youth classification. Grzegorz Sutzkever (Magram) climbed to the fourth position at three minutes and six seconds. Alessio Gagliardi and Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) ended fifth and sixth, respectively. Shalva Jughasvili (Magram) ended seventh, his best result in a Grand Tour so far for the Ceribian rider.

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Tour de Valland 1592: Eden Grace Weatherhead wins his thrid Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Zechyr 25, 1592


Weatherhead conquested his third Tour de Valland in the final mountain stage.


Lauren, Valland - Adwestene Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) won his third Tour de Valland, in which he found in Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) a tough contender.

The 1592 Tour de Valland started with a 11-km individual time-trial stage, won by Adwestene Art McLeod (Tyrus-Empire). On stage 2, a flat staged finished in a mass sprint, Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) defeated the local sprinter Antoine Duchesnay (Vançotte) and Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) to win his first stage this Tour de Valland. The next day, also finished in a mass sprint, was won by Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life), who defeated in a close sprint to Strathaen Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae) and Antoine Duchesnay (Vançotte).

Stage 4 was a 29-km team time-trial (TTT) won by Tyrus-Empire. As a consequence, Art McLeod increased his lead in the general classification. However, on stage 5, the strong winds would cause the peloton to break into different groups. Asham Borran (Druzhberg Cycling) would attack the main group, which lacked either many of the sprinters or their domestiques, four kilometres before the finish. Mordvanian Marcus Gucevicius (Vançotte) and Florinthian Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) would be able to connecto with him. With the reduced main group closely behind, Gucevicius won the stage overcoming the two Florinthian riders in the final metres. The 22-year old Florinthian August Thackeray was the new leader of the general classification, in his debut in the Tour de Valland.

The sprinters had another change on stage 6, won by Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron). The 37-year old Oslanburgan sprinter defeated Frederik de Jong, James McCabe and Antoine Duchesnay in a close sprint.

The high mountain arrived on stage 7. The stage was early controlled by Tyrus-Empire team, which occasional collaboration from United Strathae and BataVelo team, and the main group was already reduced to nine riders in the last climb. A last attack by Kyrzbekistani climber Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) was only responded by Vallish Romain Poquelin (Télecon Team). Cingur left Poquelin behind in a last attack to win the stage, his second stage in a Tour de Valland -eight years after the first one. Strathaen Sechnall MacCeallaig (United Strathae) was the new leader of the general classification. Ceribian Shalva Jughasvili (Magram) was second at forty-one seconds, and Batavian Jaap Frisch (BataVelo) third at fifty-eight seconds. Poquelin, once again the best Vallish climber in the first mountain stage, was fourth at one minute and seventeen seconds.

Oslanburgan climber Jonathan Geissler (ZMG-Nissen) surprised many in the next stage with a faraway attack. He found cooperation in a few riders in the breakaway, which included riders such as Jan Daxenberger (Magram), Florinthian David Hayward (Télecon), or Oslanburgan Jorgen Exner (Luft Wurberg). In the last climb, the main group was already reduced to six riders, with Goldecian Jack Marshall and Caleb Foster (Goldecia), 1590 and 1591 champion Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire), Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur, Batavian Jaap Frisch and  Vallish climber Benoît Montfleury (Télecon), with the Goldecians particularly trying to reduce the gap. Hayward defeated Exner in the sprint to win the stage, while Weatherhead, Cingur, and Montfleury arrived more than a minute after Geissler crossed the finish. As consequence, Jonathan Geissler was the new leader of the general classification, as Sechnall MacCeallaig lost almost four minutes. Jaap Frisch (Batavelo) was second at forty-one seconds, while Hayward was third at forty-six seconds.

A large breakaway was formed on stage 9, with ZMG-Nissen easily controlling the race until the last climb. An attack by Almas Cingur was only responded by Jonathan Geissler, Eskkyan Amaury Servan (Nenergo), and Germain Guimard (Scholden-Gulcron), while Weatherhead remained with the rest of riders in the reduced main group. The 24-year old Goldecian Jack Marshall (Ogo Cycling) won the stage in an agonal end, as Cingur and Servan finished the stage only twenty seconds later. Geissler lost seven seconds to them, while Weatherhead lost another forty-nine seconds to Geissler, who saw his lead in the general classification considerably increased. Cingur was now second at one minute and twenty seconds, while Weatherhead was third at two minutes and thirty-six seconds.

There were no surprises in the next two stages, two flat stages decided in a mass sprint. Both were won by Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) who showed again to be the fastest and stronghest sprinter in the peloton consolidating his lead in the Points classification. However, on stage 12, a long hilly stage, Batavian Jaap Frisch (BataVelo) surprised with an attack in the last hill, about eleven kilometres from the finish, followed by Almas Cingur and a few other riders, which surprisingly included sprinter Frederik de Jong. The Batavian sprinter easily outpaced his rivals in the sprint, winning his third stage in a row without opposition. Geissler saw his lead over Cingur reduced to only thirty-six seconds, while Lars Brunewald (NDM) took the third place at two minutes and twenty-one seconds. Weatherhead was fourth at two minutes and thirty-six seconds.

The peloton had some calm in the next stage, decided in a mass sprint. Adwestene sprinter Varchar Mellent (Tyrus-Empire) defeated Antoine Duchesnay (Vançotte) and Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life) in a close and chaotic sprint.

The high mountain retured on stage 14. The stage was won by Mordvanian Walentyn Lauterpacht (Mordvelo) who surprised with a faraway attack and defeated Florinthian Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) to win the stage. Weatherhead and Geissler suffered in the last climb, as they were unable to follow the attacks by Almas Cingur, Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo) and Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling). Shalva Jughasvili (Magram), Sechnall MacCeallaig (United Strathae), and Aivars Helmanis (Bagdati) were able to follow them, improving their standing in the general classification. Geissler, suffered in the last kilometres and would end losing the general classification to Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) by merely one second. Walentyn Lauterpacht climbed to third position at two minutes and thirty-three seconds behind the new leader. Weatherhead was fourth, at two minutes and fifty-seven seconds, in what seemed complicated options for the final victory.

On stage 15, Cingur increased his lead over Geissler to thirty-six seconds, as the Oslanburgan climber again suffered in the last kilometres. Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) won the stage, while Weatherhead lost another seven seconds to Cingur, but improving one position in the general classification, at three minutes and four seconds.

Stage 16 turned to be an exciting and uncontrollable stage. KyrzAir team tried early to control the stage but turned apart after faraway attacks by Sechnall MacCeallaig, Alessio Gagliardi, and Eden Grace Weatherhead, leaving Almas Cingur with no teammates in the main group. Gagliardi won the stage, after defeating Strathaen Tuathal Seòras and Nerysian Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg). Cingur would end losing more than one minute and a half to Weatherhead, reducing considerably the differences in the general classification. Weatherhead was now second one minute and twenty-three seconds, while Sechnall MacCeallaigh climbed to the third position. On the other hand, Geissler arrived more than four minutes after Gagliardi losing almost all options to the victory.

Before the final rest day, another decisive stage awaited. Stage 17 was a 38-km time-trial stage, and although none of the riders in the top 4 were exactly time-trial specialist, it was expected to be a decisive stage before the final high mountain stage. Weatherhead proved to be a better time-trialist than Almas Cingur, reducing his gap in the general classification to twenty-four seconds. Sechnall MacCeallaigh (United Strathae), with an impressive performance, reduced his gap at thirty-one seconds. Geissler was able to keep the fourth place, was now at one minute and twenty-three seconds, leaving a pretty close general classification before the last mountain stage. The stage was won by Xavier de Molinari (NDM Cycling).

Stage 18 was a fast stage, although without changes in the general classification. The stage, decided in a mass sprint, was won by Florinthian Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life), who defeated Richard Deiss (Vançotte) and Filip Nauer (Druzhberg Cycling) in a close sprint.

A large breakaway was soon formed on stage 19, the final high mountain stage, which included riders such as Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) and Zachariah Nordfeldt (ZMG-Nissen). In the last climb, Weatherhead would finally be able to leave Cingur behind, after several long and constant attacks. Cingur would lose forty-eight seconds, as consequence losing the Tour in the last mountain stage by merely twenty-four seconds. Nordsfeldt won the stage -his second mountain stage in the Tour de Valland in three years- giving a small joy to ZMG-Nissen, as Geissler lost another thirty seconds to MacCeallaigh, and ending once again in the doors to the podium in the Tour de Valland. Nylander Lars Brunewald (NDM Cycling) kept the fifth place, ending at four minutes to Weatherhead, while 24-year old Tuathal Seòras (United Strathae) climbed to the sixth position and winning comfortably the Youth classification.

The final stage in Lauren was won by veteran Oslanburgan sprinter Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) who defeated Florinthian Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life), Keszarian Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM) and Kyrzbekistani Ilsat Alimur (KyrzAir) to win his 23th stage in the Tour de Valland. As usual, there was no change in the general classification, with Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-Cycling), despite not being able to fight for the stage, was able to win the Points classification for fourth time, becoming the third rider to win the Points classification for third time in a row.

Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire), tired but visibly cheerful and jubilant, along Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) and Sechnall MacCeallaigh (United Strathae), could listen the Adwestene anthem for third time in Lauren, making history as he became the second rider to win the Tour de Valland three times in a row (after Hans Weltsch, who won the Tour de Valland in 1568, 1569, and 1570).

It was probably the most difficult victory for Weatherhead in Valland, as he did not win the Tour de Valland as clearly as the previous two seasons. "He knew it was not going to be easy", Weatherhead told the Vallish media in a rustic accent. Weatherhead became the sixth rider to win the Tour de Valland three times, and will try to engrave his name in the history of cycling joining Jacques Gaudin to win the Tour de Valland for fourth time in 1593.

[Hadash]

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Almas Cingur wins his second Ceribian Tour
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Nueva 28, 1592


Almas Cingur won his second Ceribian Tour after finishing second in the Tour de Valland.


Etora, Ceribia - Last year winner Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) won with authority his second Ceribian Tour, proving to be the best climber in the Ceribian mountains. The last time a rider had won the Ceribian Tour twice in a row was in 1568, when Vallish climber Jean-Claude Debussy won his fourth Grand Tour that year.

The 1592 Ceribian Tour started with a flat stage, predictably ended in a mass sprint. Adwestene sprinter Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire) defeated Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) and Mordvanian Miroslav Gradishar (Iskra Team) to win the stage and be the first golden jersey this Ceribian Tour. On stage 2, a 19-km TTT was expected to bring the first changes in the general classification. Although the stage did not cause big differences in the general classification, Vançotte won the stage and Hippolyte La Chapelle was the new leader of the general classification.

The next day the Ceribian Tour entered in Assarian territory with two demanding hilly stages. On stage 3, the winner was decided in a mass sprint. Vallish sprinter Antoine Duchesnay (Vançotte) defeated Filip Nauer (Druzhberg) and Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF) to win the stage -his first in a Grand Tour- to take the golden jersey.

On stage 4, Strathaen Sechnall MacCeallaigh (United Strathae) and 1591 Ceribian Tour winner Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) surprised joining the breakaway in the last part of the stage, showing their ambition after their best year in the Tour de Valland, in which Cingur was second and the Strathaen climber was third in the final podium. MacCeallaigh will attack in the final kilometre, leaving behind Florinthian Darren Goldrick (AHN-Motobank), Adwestene Gerry Bowes-Heeley (Tyrus-Empire), and Kyrzbekistani Blerim Mavraj and Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) to win the stage, his fourth stage in a Ceribian Tour. The young Alain Gasquet (Vançotte) was the new leader of the general classification, keeping the golden jersey with a comfortable lead until stage 8.

The sprinters had new chances the next two days, which the peloton took calmly. On stage 5, Antoine Duchesnay won his second stage, in a very competitive first week for his team, in which they won three stages and kept the golden jersey for seven of eight days. He easily defeated Strathaen  Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae) and Mordvania Rein Warma (Iskra Team) to take the provisional Points classification jersey as well. On stage 6, Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire) won his second stage as well, defeating Anders Mikkelsen (Luft Wurberg) and Florinthian Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) in a close sprint. Fyfe recovered the Points classification jersey, which he kept until the final day in Etora.

Stage 7 was a long individual time-trial stage, won by Didier de Cromm (Druzhberg Cycling). Alain Gasquet consolidated his lead in the general classification, with thirty-one seconds over Xavier de Molinari (NDM Cycling). Stage 8, a hilly stage although decided in a mass sprint, Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg) defeated Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) and Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae) to give his team a second stage in a row.

The first mountain arrived on stage 9, which ended in a solitary but long climb. Goldecian Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling) won the stage after a strong attack in the final kilometres. His teammate Inderjeet Sessions was the new leader of the general classification. Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) was second at only six seconds, and Florinthian David Hayward (Télecon Team) was third at forty-four seconds. Alain Gasquet dropped to the fourth place at fifty-nine seconds.

Stage 10, which included several hills in the last 50 kilometres, proved to be uncontrollable for sprinters' teams. Romain Poquelin (Télecon Team) broke the race with a final attack. Adwestene Varchar Mellent (Tyrus-Empire) outpaced Poquelin and Max Marceau (NDM Cycling) to win the stage. Stage 11, a flat stage decided in a mass sprint, was won by Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life), who defeated Ander Vitecz (Druzhberg Cycling) and Kiel Albert Fyfe in a close sprint.

Stage 12 was also decided in a mass sprint. Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) defeated Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) and Ilsat Alimur (KyrzAir) to win the stage. However, Inderjeet Sessions was involved in a crash 18 km before the finish, losing nearby one minute. Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life) was the new leader of the general classification.

Mountain returned on stage 13, in which Ogo Cycling and KyrzAir teams were specially active in breaking the race in the final kilometres. Kyrzbekistani Kazbek Noorhamatur won the stage after defeating Gehennan Jan Daxenberger in the final metres. Almas Cingur (KyrzAir), who finished third on the stage, was the new leader of the general classification. Inderjeet Sessions, in a good performance despite his bad luck the previous day, was second at fifty-one seconds. Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançotte) was third at one minute and two seconds, while Florinthian Ronald Frazer was now fourth at one minute and eight seconds.

The peloton took stage 14 more calmly until the last climb, in which the main group was reduced to fifteen riders. Although the final climb was not as complicated, the attacks started as soon as the last riders from the breakaway were about to get caught. Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (BataVelo) defeated Ceribian Mukhran Chavchavadze (Magram) and Vallish climber Benoît Montfleury (Télecon) to win the stage. The Eskkyan climber proved again that he was probably a too irregular rider for the general classification, but very competitive in the final kilometres in this kind of climb. Ronald Frazer, Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati), and La Chapelle were able to leave Cingur behind, improving a few seconds in the general classification. In general, however, there were not important differences in the general classification. Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançotte) was second at fifty-two seconds, while Frazer was third at fifty-four seconds. Benoît Montfleury climbed to the fourth place at two minutes and fifty-seven seconds, followed by Tamaz Chkheidze at three minutes and seventeen seconds.

Stage 15, a medium-montain stage, proved to bring more action and changes in the general classification. Ronald Frazer and Benoît Montfleury surprised Cingur attacking in the descend, finding cooperation in Oslanburgan Jonathan Geissler (ZMG-Nissen) and other riders who were looking for a stage win. Florinthian Sav Jacobs (Dido-Great Life) won the stage, defeating easily the others rider in the breakaway. Cingur saw reduced his lead in the general classification to only fourteen seconds, while La Chapelle dropped to the third place. Montfleury was now fourth at one minute and twenty seconds, while Geissler climbed to the seventh place in the general classification.

Keszarian sprinter Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM) won the stage 16, defeating Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-Great Life) and Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae) in mass sprint, without changes in the general classification.

After the second rest day, a 28-km individual time-trial in which, although the stage included a small hill, Cingur was expected to find difficult to defend the golden jersey, as he had only fourteen seconds ahead of Ronald Frazer (Dido-Great Life). The stage was won by Hanes Vincent (Druzhberg). There were no surprises and Ronald Frazer was the new leader of the general classification, with Cingur keeping at least the second position at one minute and nine seconds. La Chapelle was third at one minute and nineteen seconds, and Benoît Montfleury was fourth at one minute and forty-seven seconds.

On stage 18, Ronald Frazer soon discovered that his team was not prepared to control a high mountain race in the last week of three-week cycling race. David Hayward (Télecon Team) launched a faraway attack, connecting with several riders from the breakaway, including Nerysian champion Wulf Käufer. Frazer couldn't resist attacks by Almas Cingur and Sechnall MacCeallaigh, dropping from the main group, reduced to four riders in the last climb: Cingur, MacCeallaigh, Tamaz Chkheidze, and Aivars Helmanis. David Hayward defeated Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) to win the stage and climb to the fourth place in the general classification. Almas Cingur retook the golden jersey, while Frazer lost more than three minutes to the Kyrzbekistani climber. Ceribian Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) was second now, at two minutes and one second, and Frazer completed the podium at two minutes and twenty-six seconds, one day before the final high mountain stage.

Stage 19 did not see much action before the final climb, as the main group -reduced to fifteen riders- was led by KyrzAir. The fight for the podium soon opened, as Frazer dropped from the group in the first kilometres of the climb. Aivars Helmanis (Nenergo Cycling) attacked the main group to catch Zeljko Bratansek (Mordveno) and Goldecian Daniel Upton Steele (Ogo Cycling) in the final kilometres. Almas Cingur took a more defensive tactic, resisting all attacks until the last kilometres, and only losing eight seconds to Montfleury and five seconds to Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) who was runner-up for second time. David Hayward lost more than a minute, saving the podium for merely four seconds.

Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) therefore had not problems to defend the golden jersey and to win his second Ceribian Tour - becoming the first Kyrzbekistani rider to win two Grand Tours. Cingur finished his best season in the best way, after being runner-up in the Tour de Valland and winning the Mordvanian Week and the Criterium the Ventmont early this season. Tamaz Chkheidze (Bagdati) was second at one minute and fifty-six seconds. Not Ceribian rider had finished twice in the podium since 1568, although many fans expected a more offensive tactic in the last two high mountain stages. Florinthian David Hayward (Télecon Team) finished third at four minutes and eleven seconds, his second Gran Tour after finishing third as well in the 1591 Tour de Valland. His teammate Benoît Monfleury ended fourth at four minutes and twenty-five seconds. Although Montfleury and Hayward are said to be in good terms, the result and the strategy of the Vallish team would probably increase the debate about who should be the team leader in the next season.

Caleb Foster (Ogo Cycling) ended fifth at five minutes and seventeen seconds, winning both the Mountain and Youth classification. 1589 Ceribian Tour winner Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassoni) was sixth at five minutes and thirty-three seconds. Frazer, who ended losing more than three minutes, dropped to the final tenth position in the general classification.

The final stage 20, for third time in a row, ended in the capital city of Etora, was won by Batavian Frederik de Jong (Anzcell-RIFF), defeating Filip Nauer (Druzhberg), Aonghus Éamon Tadg (United Strathae), and Miroslav Gradishar (Mordvelo), to win his 10th stage in a Ceribian Tour. Adwestene sprinter Kiel Albert Fyfe (Tyrus-Empire) was fifth, enough to secure his victory in the Points classification.

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Eden Grace Weatherhead wins his 4th Tour de Valland
By Richard W. Wallace
Published: Zechyr 22, 1593


Eden Grace Weatherhead, after winning stage 9.


Lauren, Valland - Adwestene climber Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire) won his fourth Tour de Valland, becoming the second rider to do so after late Jacques Gaudin who won in 1513, 1515, 1516 and 1520.

The 1593 Tour de Valland started with a 9.1 km individual time-trial, won by Keszarian Ferenc Racz (Anzcell Cycling). The time difference was big enough to allow the Keszarian time-trialist to wear the red jersey until stage 7 in his first Grand Tour.

The first week was dominated by teams such as NDM, Anzcell, Iskra Team, and Dido-GDC, who worked hard to avoid any breakaway in the next stages. On Stage 2, Frederik de Jong (Anzcell) defeated Florinthian Quentin Symonds (Dido-GDC) and Ceribian Sergo Gvarjaladze (Badgati) to win his first stage this Tour de Valland. The next stage, another Anzcell rider won in the final mass sprint, Nylander Michael Ahlgren who won his first Grand Tour individual stage after beating Oslanburgan Anders Mikkelsen (Luft Wurberg) in a close sprint. 23-year old Ceribian sprinter Sergo Gvarjaladze (Bagdati) won on stage 4, after surprisingly defeating Frederik de Jong and Quentin Symonds.

Frederik de Jong won his second individual stage this Tour de Valland on stage 5, defeating veteran Lomarren sprinter Francesco Gassendi (Yetech-Druzhberg) and Florinthian James McCabe (Dido-GDC). De Jong was close to win his third stage the next day, but he defeated in a close sprint by Oslanburgan Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron).

On stage 7, a hilly stage which a complicated hill only 3 km before the finish, Adwestene Douglas Painswick (Tyrus-Empire) and Keszarian Ákos Körmöczy (Le Cycle Super) surprised the peloton with a strong attack. Körmöczy won the stage, becoming the new leader of the general classification. The peloton arrived 12 seconds later, Frederik de Jong coming third and further increasing his comfortable lead in the Points classification.

The first mountain stage arrived on stage 8. The young Videjszeme Jevgenijs Kalnins (Magram) proved to be the strongest rider in the breakaway in his first Grand Tour. Behind, the main group was reduced to nine riders, which included Eden Grace Weatherhead and Almas Cingur, the two main favourites to the final victory in Lauren. Nerysian Wulf Käufer (Luft Wurberg) surprised with an attack from 8 km to the finish. He would catch Kalnins to win the stage, his second individual stage in a Tour de Valland. He took the red jersey as well, with one minute and forty-nine second ahead of Kalnins. Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassoni) was third at one minute and thirty seconds.

However, Käufer was not able to remain in the main group in the last climb the next day, and he lost the red jersey after losing more than four minutes. The next leader was Eden Grace Weatherhead (Tyrus-Empire), winning the stage after a last attack. Jose Cardoso climbed to the second place in the general classification, only twenty-two seconds behind the Adwestene champion. Goldecian Jack Marshall (Ogo Cycling) was third at fifty-seven seconds and leader of the Youth classification.

Stage 10, a long hilly stage, brought minor changes in the general classification, as several riders were surprised as the peloton broke away in the final 20 kms, with Cardoso and Marshall losing thirty seconds. The stage was decided in a mass sprint, Ander Vitecz (Yetech-Druzhberg) defeating Mordvanian Rein Warma (Iskra) in a close sprint. Stage 11 was calmer for the peloton, although it was surprised by an unexpectedly succesful breakaway. The stage was won by Adwestene Gerry Bowes-Heeley (Tyrus-Empire).

After the first ret day, either for bad luck or relaxation, stage 12 turned a complicated stage for Tyrus-Empire Team. Weatherhead was involved in a crash, and although he was not harmed, he was not able to connect with the main group, which was riding fast to stop the breakaway. His second group was virtually three minutes behind the peloton, although Tyrus-Empire worked hard to reduce the gap to a final one minute and one second. Jose Cardoso (MTS-Biassioni) took the red jersey by barely three seconds over Weatherhead. The stage was won by Francesco Gassendi (Yetech-Druzhberg) after defeating Mordvanian sprinter Miroslav Gradishar (Iskra Team) in a mass sprint. The next stage followed a similar script, with Nylander sprinter Chester Stenbeck gave the fifth stage win to Anzcell Team afte defeating Filip Nauer (Yetech-Druzhberg) and Kárdas Nyíregyházi (NDM) in a close sprint.

The high mountain returned on stage 14. A large breakway was formed, with important riders such as Amaury Servan (Nenergo), Soren Syndergaard (Luft Wurberg), Nylader Lars Brunewald (Magram), or Batavian Jaap Frisch (BataVelo), although all them far from the top 10 in the general classification. Behind, Almas Cingur (KyrzAir) and Ceribian Mukhran Chavchavadze (Magram) surprised with an attack shortly before the last climb. The stage was surprisingly won by 23-year old Roman Herzogenrath (Télecon Team). Weatherhead and Cardoso lost fifty secons to Chavchavadze and fourty seconds to Cingur, but remained in the two top positions in the general classification with the same time difference between them. Vallish Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançotte) was third at forty one seconds and Herzogenrath climbed at the fourth place at forty-nine seconds -also leading the Youth classification. Chavchavadze was fifth now at one minute and fourteen seconds while Cingur was sixth at one minute and thirty seconds.

The peloton took a calmer attitude in the next day, as there was not much action until the first and only climb. Jevgenijs Kalnins and Oslanburgan Jonathan Geissler (ZMG-Nissen) were the first to attack. Soon Tuathal Seòras (United Strathae) followed. Meanwhile, the peloton, commanded by the Tyrus-Empire team, allowed them to march. After the first attacks, the leader Jose Cardoso dropped from the main group, now reduced to seven riders - Weatherhead, Almas Cingur, Soren Syndergaard, Mordvanians Rajko Kryzanek (Iskra) and Marcus Gucevicius (Vançotte), Lomarren Alessio Gagliardi (BataVelo), and Dyrheimer Roman Herzogenrath (Télecon Team). Jonathan Geissler attacked in the final 200 metres, defeating Seòras and Kalnins to win the stage. Eden Grace Weatherhead recovered the red jersey, now leading the general classification by thirty-seven seconds ahead of Roman Herzogenrath -one of the surprises of this Tour de Valland- and forty-five seconds ahead of Kalnins. Almas Cingur was now fourth at one minute and sixteen seconds.

On stage 16, succesfully controlled by Tyrus-Empire, the main group was soon reduced to nine riders. Eskkyan Amaury Servan (Nenergo) was the first to attack in the last climb. He could be able to catch the remaining riders from the breakaway until he reached his teammate Viktar Husevich, who worked for him in the final kilometres, with Servan patiently following his wheel until the last km, where Servan continued opposed to win the stage, and Husevich arriving fourteen seconds later. Behind, Weatherhead attacked and arrived forty seconds after Servan, and Kyrzbekistani Almas Cingur and Nylander Blaise Brunschvicq (ZMG-Nisse) arrived ten seconds later. As consequence. Weatherhead increased his lead to one minute and twenty-eight seconds to Almas Cingur, who now climbed to the second place in the general classification, while Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançotte) was third at two minutes and fifty one seconds. Kalnins and Herzogenrath dropped to the fifth and eighth positions, respectively.

The last high mountain stage arrived on stage 17, in which Tyrus-Empire was not able to control the situation as the previous day. Nerysian Godomar Guur (MTS-Biassoni), seventh in the  general classification at four minutes and nine seconds in his first Grand Tour, attacked from a far, finding collaboration in Aivars Helmanis (Bagdati), Eskkyan Pierre Bonchamps (Le Cycle Super), or Max Pappenheim (Dido-GDC) in a large breakaway.

In the last climb, it was obvious that something was going wrong, as Weatherhead started to suffer at the back of the main group. Following the attakcs of Kalnins and Jonathan Geissler, Weatherhead dropped from the main group, and soon Cingur remained in the group who seemed to suffer as well. Only a few kilometres after, it was reported that Weatherhead was already losing a minute to the main group. Pierre Bonchamps (Le Cycle Super) would defeat Helmanis to win the stage, his sixth mountain stage in the Tour de Valland in his career. Godomar Guur arrived fourteen seconds later, climbing to the third position in the general classification. Weatherhead would surprisingly lose four minutes to Guur, only saving the first position for seven seconds over Cingur. Guur was close, with only the last ITT to come, at eleven seconds.

Stage 18 was expected to be a calm stage before the final individual time-trial, but MTS-Biassoni team was surprised when Guur lost contact with the group in the final kilometres as the peloton broke in two. The stage was decided in a mass sprint, in which Sven-Ole Wieth (Scholden-Gulcron) defeated Batavian Frederik de Jong (Anzcell Cycling) to win his 25th individual stage in the Tour de Valland in a close sprint. Godomar Guur lost thirty seconds, dropping from the podium to the fourth place, while the leader of the Youth classification, Jevgenijs Kalnins (Magram), was now third at thirty-seven seconds. As consequence, the final ITT was expected to be decisive and exciting, with four riders -none of them exactly a specialist against the clock- were fighting not only for the three places in the podium but to win the 1593 Tour de Valland.

Despite some tension in the early kilometres, Weatherhead consolidated his lead in the final ITT, improving Almas Cingur's time in twenty-four seconds - winning the 1593 Tour de Valland with a final lead of thirty-one seconds, barely three seconds more than the previous year. Nerysian Godomar Guur (MTS-Biassoni) improved Kalnins time in almost fifty seconds, therefore recovering the third position in the podium, the first for a Nerysian rider in more than twenty years.

Nentsian Viktar Husevich (Nenergo) did a great time-trial, only ending twenty seconds to the third place, ending at one minute and two seconds in the general classification. Jevgenijs Kalnins ended fifth at one minute and twenty-nine seconds, although he may find some comfort as he easily secured the Youth classification. The best Vallish rider was Hippolyte La Chapelle (Vançote), who ended at one minute and fifty-nine seconds in the general classification.

Weatherhead seemed more enraged than cheerful after finishing the stage, probably still realizing that he was closer than expected to lose everything in the final high mountain, despite he had written his name in the history of cycling, becoming the first rider to win four Tours de Valland in a row, and the second to win four Tours in seventy-eight years of history of the most important Grand Tour. He also won the Mountain classification for first time. Only a smile appeared on his lips when he congratulated to his teammate Gerry Bowes-Heeley, the winner of the stage.

Frederik de Jong (Anzcell Cycling) defeated Florinthian Quentin Symonds (Dido-GDC), Mordvanian Rein Warma (Iskra) and Kyrzbekistani sprinter Ilsat Alimur (KyrzAir) to win the final stage 20, his third stage this Tour de Valland. One year more, de Jong proved to the fastest sprinter in the peloton, although it is true that without the same authority than the previous seasons. Frederik de Jong also won the Points classification for fifth time, only one behind Richard Malone's record.