Yevgeniy Gidich Wins Kazakhstan Road Race Championship

Yevgeniy Gidich, riding for Astana Qazaqstan, has claimed his first national title in the road race at the Kazakhstan Championships. Gidich emerged as the strongest rider in the 157-kilometer race, crossing the finish line first in a four-man sprint. His teammates Artyom Zakharov and Gleb Brussenskiy secured second and third place, completing the podium.

“Well, it was a tough race due to weather conditions: it was hot, stuffy and rainy. The race turned out to be very intense and nervous, so we saw the first attacks inside the first lap already. I also tried to be active, staying in front and following dangerous moves. In a moment I decided to attack to join the right leading group. We were twelve in the break, quickly organizing a good work all together. I tried to stay calm until the last lap, at the same time taking care of drinking and eating in the right time and saving the energy for the final. There were a few dangerous attacks in our group, but I was able to answer to all of them. Well, in the end of the day I launched an attack on the last short climb and we remained just four in our group, while in the sprint I made it. I am really happy with this win and with the jersey of the national champion. This means a lot for me, because it was my big dream to become Kazakhstan Champion. It will be a great honor and pleasure for me to wear it during the following year. I am sure this victory and this jersey will bring me more confidence and motivation,” said Yevgeniy Gidich.

In the Under 23 category, Nicolas Vinokurov of Astana Qazaqstan Development Team took the title, with Ilhan Dostyev and Orken Slamzhanov finishing second and third, respectively.