TS Kortteliajot 2015

It's now more than a week ago since the TS Kortteliajot was ridden and I finally got time to put together a small race report. The TS Kortteliajot Sunday started off with slight rain in the morning, meaning the race would be ridden in wet conditions. That would make the hard race even harder. Fincycling had a 5 man strong team for the race.

The riders had slept well, but you could feel there was nervousness in the morning air. Some still felt the race from yesterday in their legs, some were doing the race for the first time. Kjell Carlström would act as DS for the race, and soon after breakfast he arrived to have a chat with the cyclists.

Kjell giving instructions

The TS Kortteliajot squad from left: Bergman, Hänninen, Keloneva, Terävä and Hirvenoja

Studying the route before the race

Final instructions before the race

All ready for the race

Happy Fincycling staff, Juho Suikkari, Marko Vauhkonen and Kjell Carlström

A moment of silence just before the race to honor the memory of Ole Wackström

The first lap was ridden behind the Skoda

The race started with a good pace but was then largely controlled by the main group. A few breakaway attempts were seen, but those were worked back in by the main group, usually either TuUL, Akilles, TWD Länken or Fincycling.

Jaakko Hänninen positioning at the front after a few laps

Simo Terävä working to close a gap

Aku starting to feel the fast pace

TS Kortteliajot was a bit too hard this year for many riders, including Joel. Despite this he had a good weekend overall

Jaakko working at the front, closing in on a breakaway

Kjell, "Manu" and Juho enjoying the race

Aku fighting

Simo working with what he has left

Closely watching the guys perform

Jaakko working like a beast closing any breakaway attempt

The fight is on!

Jaakko at the front with only a few laps to go

Before last lap, Aleksi Hänninen at the front and TWD Länken starting to build up for the finale

Last lap, TWD Länken in control

Maksim Sukhov surprised with a strong sprint, finishing just before Roope Nurmi

Jaakko had a strong day and a good weekend

Jaakko and Erik both had reasons to smile

Erik demonstrating how he tucked in and gave all he had

Maksim Sukhov, the winner of TS Kortteliajot 2015 had all the reasons to smile

N-18 podium from left: Suvisaari, Puskala, Aintila

M-16 podium from left: Lahti, Juntunen, Koistinen

Women podium from left: Onger, Törmänen, Väkervä

The elite podium from left: Nurmi, Sukhov, Tiainen

Overall standings podium

Roope Nurmi seemed pleased with the overall win, despite being second today

Erik Relanto also received the "rider of the day" prize

Fincycling continued towards Poland the very next day. The Turku weekend was a good start but international races with other juniors are of key importance to develop skills. Fincycling cyclists will have more international races coming up as well during spring and summer.

More pictures and a video taken by me from TS Kortteliajot 2015 below:

Now it's time to take out my own bike and ride it!

Pedalare!