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Exciting rollerskiing sprint in the streets of Cesis in Latvia
Latvians Arturs Brants and Inga Daushkane won the 200m rollerskiing sprint competition in free technique, the third stage of rollerskiing competition “Rollertour 2012” and took place in Latvian Cross-Country skiing city of Cesis, where also FIS Rollerskiing World Cup was held back in 2004 and 2005.
For the first time during the last seven years, it was sunny and dry conditions during the famous Cesis city sprint event. The nice weather gaves printers the oportunity to produce faster speed. The competition took place in the street of Cesis centre and featured 74 athletes from Latvia and Estonia at the start ranging all groups from 9 and to veterans. The competition course was flat with a slight uphill after the start.
In the men's competition the hot favourite Arturs Brants, who finished in 8th place just two weeks ago in the FIS Roller Skiing World Cup in Tripoli (GRE), set the fastest qualification time - 21,34, but had to push to the limits in the final the runner up Edgars Ozols. Another Latvian Daumants Lusa, who won the first stage of Rollertour this year – 1km sprint, was knocked out by Brants in semifinal. Lusa later won the small final, beating former sprint specialist Maris Pilsetnieks, and claimed third place.
On the ladies' side the favourite Inga Daushkane laid down the fastest qualification time (26,45) and took victory in the A-Final beating first year junior Kitija Auzina. Injured last years winner Zane Eglite had to watch the competition on the side on crutches. Eglite won the first stage of Baltic cup in Estonia in August, but had to undergo knee operation afterwards. Estonian youngster Katrin Ojave was third.
“Rollertour” is the most popular rollerskiing competition series in Baltic states. The last fourth stage, where skiers will have to complete 42 km in free technique for men and 21km for ladies, will be held on 30 September in Priekuli and will be also held as the Latvian championships and the third stage of the Baltic cup. The ambassador of “Rollertour” Martins Niklass invites all to Priekuli at the end of September to take part in the last rollerskiing competition before the winter season.
Contributed by Ivars Bacis