Italian Cyclist Simone Raccani Wins Tour of Armenia

YEREVAN — Italian professional cyclist Simone Raccani of Team Ukyo has been crowned the overall winner of the Tour of Armenia international professional multi-stage cycling race.

On the fourth and final day of competition, Italy’s Michele Gazzoli won the stage and was presented with his award by Ara Sadoyan, president of the Armenian Cycling Federation.

Italian cyclist Leonardo Vesco won the mountains classification, earning the “King of the Mountains” title and the blue jersey. He received his award from Luca Guercilena, chief operating officer and cycling director of RC Sports & Events.

Kevin Biehl of Denmark was named the best young rider and received the white jersey. His award was presented by Olympic champion and former Spanish professional cyclist Samuel Sánchez.

The Czech Republic’s ATT Investments was named the best team of the Tour and received its award from Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan.

In the overall individual classification, Italy’s Luca Covili of Bardiani CSF 7 Saber finished third and was presented with his award by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan.

Denmark’s Kevin Biehl finished second overall and received his award from Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan.

Italy’s Simone Raccani, representing Team Ukyo, finished first in the general classification. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented Raccani with his award and later presented him with the trophy recognizing him as the overall winner of the Tour of Armenia.

The four-day cycling race began on September 10 in Gavar, the capital of Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province. The opening stage concluded in Mets Masrik after a 135-kilometer route along the shores of Lake Sevan. Michal Pomorski of ATT Investments crossed the finish line first, recording an average speed of 52.331 km/h to win the opening stage.

On the second day, cyclists from 16 teams representing countries around the world tackled the approximately 177-kilometer route from Kirants to Stepanavan. Italian rider Federico Iacomoni of Team Ukyo crossed the finish line first, edging Leonardo Vesco of Biesse-Carrera-Premac by just a few millimeters. Iacomoni completed the stage in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 46 seconds, averaging 40.882 km/h.

The third stage, from Martuni to Dilijan and Lake Parz, was won by Max Hinds of Netcompany Ineos Racing Academy. He completed the 162-kilometer course in 3 hours, 40 minutes and 24 seconds, averaging 44.101 km/h and earning a 12-second time bonus.

The third stage featured a total elevation gain of 1,700 meters. Starting in Martuni, the route took cyclists through the Gegharkunik, Kotayk and Tavush provinces.

Leaders in the Tour’s various classifications received four distinctive jerseys developed by Alé Cycling, featuring designs inspired by Armenian symbols and cultural motifs.

A team representing Armenia was also among the 16 participating squads. Over the course of the four-day competition, the cyclists covered a total distance of more than 500 kilometers.