Russian National Championships - CN

June 27-30, 2002

2001 Results Schedule

The Schedule

Day 1 - June 27: Individual Time Trials
Day 2 - June 29: Elite Women's Road Race
Day 3 - June 30: Elite Men's Road Race

Preview

By Sergey Kurdukov, Russian Eurosport commentator

For the first time in so many years both men's and women's Russian road championships are held in the same place and at the same time. It was a brilliant idea to put the two together, especially good from the point of view of ladies’ cycling. In fact, separation did it only harm as media was almost 100 per cent focused on male professionals, looking down upon feminine races as something of secondary importance.

For the second year running the stage on which Russian cycling elite give their superb performance is the Olympic circle in Krylatskoye. Some specialists and journalists believe it could be preferable to go to some regional centre rather than to the capital where potential audience is somewhat fed up with even first-class entertainment. And yet most riders like coming back to Moscow, like this tricky winding road.

This year organizers did not intend to model Zolder at home (though for a couple of years to try to rehearse World Champs and Olympics while holding national competitions was the dominating idea). They are trying to save the Mecca of Russian cycling and breathe a new life into it. On the other hand, they are eager to find out who is the strongest at the moment in really tough conditions that Krylatskoye presents the riders with.

Not all of those who wouldn’t mind showing how strong they are come to Moscow this time. Some of top pros are not sufficiently interested in taking part in Zolder champs as they are unanimously considered a sprinters' cup of tea. Others, like Viatcheslav Ekimov are named within Tour de France team rosters and, in all probability, prefer to concentrate their efforts on the Grand Tour. But those who did come guarantee a wonderful show.