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!