Estonia hosts biggest Baltic States marathon

The biggest mountain bike marathon in Baltic States, the SEB 11 Tartu Rattamaraton, will take place on Sunday, September 21 in South-Estonia. Organizers have prepared 89km and 40km tracks starting from Otepää, Tehvandi Sport Centre and finishing near Elva in Tartumaa Sport Centre.

According to the latest information 2,844 riders have registered for the 89km distance and 1,572 for the 40km distance which makes 4,416 starters in total. This year participants from 11 different countries have signed up.

Next to the best cyclists of Estonia like Allan Oras and Jaan Kirsipuu, many strong competitors are coming from Sweden. For example Alexander Wetterhall, who finished fifth in European Cross Country Championships 2008, and Niklas Gustavsson, who was voted rookie of the year, are set to make their debuts in Estonia. From Latvia more than 300 riders will participate including many professional racers.

The day before the marathon, on Saturday, a sprint event will be held in Tartu.

Club Tartu Maraton is hosting the event. They will also run the European Marathon Championship in 2009.

For more information, visit www.tartumaraton.ee.