This weekend Latvia will host the third and final stage of the Baltic cup in roller skiing.
In the men’s competition the battle for overall win is very tight. Only 35 points separate first ten athletes and the situation leaves door open for anyone from top 10 to grab the overall title.
Baltic cup in roller skiing is organized for the third season. It consists of three stages, each taking place in on of the Baltic countries – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. It has become a tradition that, while the FIS Roller Skiing World Cup comes with last stages to warm countries like Greece and Croatia, Priekuli skiing and biathlon centre in Latvia is hosting the final stage of the Baltic cup in the beginning of autumn.
Estonian Oleg Kovaljov and lithuanian Vytautas Strolia are sharing the first place with 80 points, just 10 points ahead of another estonian-lithuanian pair Andres Juursalu and Lukas Jakeliunas. The Best of Latvians Daumants Lusa is currently fifth with 60 points. On the ladies’ side the winner is almost certain – Latvian Zane Eglite has earned 140 points and is in the lead by 60 points. Nearest rivals are Ingrida Ardishauskaite from Lithuania and Latvian Natalija Kovalova, who are trailing back with 60 and 70 points accordingly.
Although rainy conditions are expected, the experienced organiser Martins Niklass, who was technical delegate this year at the World rollerskiing championships in Aure (Norway), promises the smooth run of the competition.
Contributed by Ivars Bacis
