Estonian Championships - CN

Estonia, June 27-29, 2008

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Day 3 - June 29: Elite men road race, 167.2 km

Kirsipuu celebrates 20 years on with a win

By Hanno Kross

Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) celebrates as
Photo ©: Hanno Kross

Two years after retiring from the sport as a professional, 39 year-old Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) claimed his sixth Estonian title in men's road race on Sunday. Kirsipuu, who now rides mostly amateur races in Estonia, went away alone with 18 kilometres remaining in the race and couldn't be caught. All the other favorites, such as Janek Tombak (Mitsubishi Jartazi), Kalle Kriit (Mitsubishi Jartazi), Tanel Kangert (Ag2r La Mondiale) and last year's winner Erki Pütsep (Boygoues Telecom), were watching each other while Kirsipuu took a 24 second lead on the last 15.2 kilometre lap and held his position to the finish.

After the race Kirsipuu said that he wasn't sure of his sprinting legs and therefore attacked long before the finish. He knew that he was not the strongest favorite for the race and with that move he outmaneuver everybody from the nine man breakaway group and to claim his sixth Estonian title, 20 years after his first in 1988.

Kirsipuu dedicated the victory for his father Rein, who celebrates his 75 birthday on Monday. His father Rein Kirispuu is one of the most well known cycling coaches in Estonia, who introduced Jaan to the sport of cycling as a youngster.

The Under 23 road race was one by Kirsipuu's team-mate Gert Joeaar, who rides in French amateur squad Vendee U.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Hanno Kross

The talented young Rein Taaramae from French squad Cofidis.
Tanel Kangert (Ag2r-La Mondiale) rides with eventual winner Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi).
Mitsubishi-Jartazi team-mates Kalle Kriit and Janek Tombak plan their race as they roll along.
Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom) couldn't repeat his success from last year.
Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) rides alone towards the finish line.
Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) attacks the break away
Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) celebrates as he crosses the finish line.
Kalle Kriit (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) wins the sprint for second over Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom).
20 years after his first win Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) gets some help putting on the national jersey.
Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) is interviewed by the media...
...before another media engagement for the national champion.
Kalle Kriit (Mitsubishi-Jartazi) and Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) celebrate on the podium.
Podium (L-R): Kalle Kriit (Mitsubishi-Jartazi), Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) and Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom).
Jaan Kirsipuu (CFC Spordiklubi) greets the crowed on the podium.
Silvar Kibur (Rietumu Bank-Riga) and Jõeäär Gert (CFC Spordiklubi) claimed first and second in the U23 category.
Jõeäär Gert (CFC Spordiklubi) was the top Under 23 rider.

Results

1 Jaan Kirsipuu (Est) CFC Spordiklubi     3.49.00 (43.755 km/h)
2 Kalle Kriit (Est) Mitsubishi-Jartazi       0.25
3 Erki Pütsep (Est) Bouygues Telecom             
4 Janek Tombak (Est) Mitsubishi-Jartazi          
5 Tanel Kangert (Est) Ag2r-La Mondiale       0.29
6 Jõeäär Gert (Est) CFC Spordiklubi *        1.21
7 Allan Oras (Est) ARC                           
8 Silvar Kibur (Est) Rietumu Bank-Riga *         
9 Alo Jakin (Est) CCV *                          
10 Oskari Kargu (Est) TAM                    6.05
11 Sander Maasing (Est) VOC *                    
12 Allar Karu (Est) Kalev Sport *                
13 Indrek Rannama (Est) VKG                      
14 Andrus Aug (Est) ARC                          
15 Caspar Austa (Est) Dynatek-Latvia             
16 Steven Puhm (Est) TAM *                       
17 Mihkel Jüri (Est) VEL *                       
18 Sven Ilves (Est) CFC Spordiklubi *            
19 Riivo Schumann (Est) CFC Spordiklubi          
20 Esko Ööpik (Est) CFC Spordiklubi *            
21 Raido Kodanipork (Est) ARC                    
22 Silver Schultz (Est) VCB *                    
23 Ivo Suur (Est) PRO *                          
24 Erik Olkonen (Est) TAM *                      
25 Ain-Alar Juhanson (Est) HWX                   
26 Silver Ao (Est) Kalev Sport *                 
27 Mikk Vaaks (Est) TEP *                        
28 Mihkel Ronimois (Est) VRK *                   
29 Andri Lebedev (Est) Kalev Sport               
30 Mihkel Reile (Est) Kalev Sport                
31 Margus Mikk (Est) ARC                         
32 Martin Puusepp (Est) CFC Spordiklubi *        
33 Andres Luidre (Est) CFC Spordiklubi *         
34 Rigo Räim (Est) VKG *                         
35 Vahur Valvas (Est) TAM                        
36 Riho Alaru (Est) TYS                      7.29
37 Urmo Utar (Est) Kalev Sport *             8.11
38 Rainer Põvvat (Est) TYS                   8.25

* Under 23 riders