Russian Rudashkov Wins Stage 1 of Cycling Tour of Bulgaria

Russian cyclist Sergey Rudashkov from the Katysha team won the first stage of the 60th Cycling Tour of Bulgaria race, finishing the 217 km stretch for 5.05:56 h.

The competition started off in downtown Sofia at noon local time and enlisted 112 cyclists from 17 countries.

Stage 1, between Sofia and south-western town of Gotse Delchev, is the longest and among the hardest.

Second were Bulgarian Evgeni Balev (competing Hemus Troyan) and Czech Tomas Buchaczek (Whirpool), 4 seconds behind the winner.

Portuguese  Ricardo Mestre (Palmeiras), who has a birthday Saturday, led the race for the most part, but came to finish fifth.

The leading group of 25 athletes finished more than 20 minutes ahead of the rest.