Alexey Lutsenko Claims Victory in Kazakhstan National Championships Road Race

Alexey Lutsenko emerged victorious in the road race event at the Kazakhstan National Championships, securing the title in Taldykorgan. Lutsenko broke away from the leading group with 20 kilometers remaining and maintained a strong enough lead to cross the finish line alone, clinching the championship.

“It was a very good test of my form, and I am really happy with the race and with the way I was feeling during the whole day. With a week before the Tour de France, it was important to check my conditions, and it looks like everything is going according to plan. We attacked and broke away quite early, so I had to push hard and stay away almost all day long, but we succeeded. In the final, I found a moment to go solo. It was a nice move for me, which brought me the title of the national champion. I am happy with my success at the National Championships, and for me, it will be a great honor to start the Tour de France in the jersey of the national champion of Kazakhstan,” said Alexey Lutsenko.

Lutsenko was part of a group of riders that included the 2022 road race champion Yevgeniy Gidich and the 2022 time trial champion Yuriy Natarov. This group broke away from the peloton early in the race and established a significant lead. Lutsenko and Gidich worked together to maintain the gap, and on the final lap, Lutsenko made a decisive attack to claim victory, with Gidich finishing second in the sprint.

With his win in the time trial earlier in the week and his triumph in the road race, Lutsenko became the overall national champion for 2023.

In the Under 23 category, the race was dominated by Astana Qazaqstan Development Team riders. Maxim Taraskin, the individual time trial champion, led for a significant portion of the race but was eventually caught by the chasing group. Nicolas Vinokurov launched a well-timed attack and secured his second consecutive U23 national champion title. Andrey Remkhe finished second, and Orken Slamzhanov took third place on the podium.

Photo credit: Kazakhstan Cycling Federation