Estonian cyclists began the World Cup stage in Thailand with personal best results
Estonian cyclists achieved personal best results in the World Cup stage in Thailand, with Mari-Liis Juul and Janno Lepik securing sixth place in their respective categories.
The World Cup stage for para-cyclists kicked off in Thailand on Thursday, showcasing the talents of Estonian athletes Mari-Liis Juul and Janno Lepik, who both achieved their career-best placements. Juul competed in the women's C5 category, finishing sixth in the 16.7-kilometer time trial, trailing the dayβs best performer, Italy's Claudia Cretti, by four minutes and 20 seconds. The race saw strong competition, with Chinese cyclist Huiling Li and Poland's Anna Harkowska rounding out the podium placements.
Janno Lepik, competing in the men's H5 category, also finished sixth. His performance saw him 8 minutes and 16 seconds behind the leader, China's Qiangli Liu. Lepik noted that the heat in Thailand posed significant challenges, especially in the second half of the grueling 16.7-kilometer course, though he expressed enjoyment for the race track itself. He was followed by Aleksandr Davidovich in second place and Brazilian cyclist Antonio Macros de Moura in third.
Anre NΓ΅mme, competing in the men's C4 category, reported a strong and consistent performance, further contributing to the representation of Estonian para-cyclists in the event. The competition not only highlights the athletes' capabilities but also emphasizes the growing presence of Estonia in international para-cycling events, demonstrating their resilience and dedication in overcoming both athletic and environmental challenges.