19:30, 7 May 2011

International cycling races are on in Nagorno-Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh. Participants of International Cyclists' Races that started on May 6, 2011, in Stepanakert. Photo by the "Caucasian Knot"

On May 6, the central square of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, hosted the opening ceremony of the International Bicycle Races. They are attended by over fifty athletes from Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia, Estonia, Romania, Austria, Germany and France.

"International races of cyclists in Nagorno-Karabakh are held for the first time, but not for the last one, I assure you," said Shavarsh Sarkisyan, Head of the Sports Committee of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The competitions will be held for three days and in three stages. On the first day, individual races at the distance of 15 km will be held. The second day will see the team event on 100 km. On the third day the ring-distance races will take place.

Vardges Mikaelyan, a competitor, said that he wanted to improve his skills. "I am proud to have a chance to take part in these competitions," said the cyclist.

Author: Alvard Grigoryan

Source: CK correspondent