Kangert dominates Pütsep in SEB Tartu Rattamaraton

Tanel Kangert won the 13th SEB Tartu Rattamaraton in Southern Estonia. He was the fastest man on the 89km track and finished ahead in 2:50:44, ahead of Erki Pütsep (2:52:34) and former European Champion Allan Oras (2:54:44).

The winner chose to ride on a cyclo-cross bike, which proved to be a wise decision. "The cyclo-cross bicycle suited me well and I had no trouble in the muddy conditions. It helped me to pull away from competitors," said Kangert.

Pütsep said that Kangert was in better physical shape and his bike choice helped him a lot.

Oras called the race the most important mountain bike marathon for him. "I went to race to give everything, and that's what I did. The first two men were a class of their own," said Oras. He added that he was happy to see so many people out cheering at the race despite the rainy weather.

The fastest woman on the track was Ivanda Eiduka from Latvia. She finished in 3:35:30 ahead of second placed Lelde Ardava (3:40:44) also from Latvia and third placed Estonian Laura Lepasalu (3:15:52).

By the morning of the race day, more than 5300 people had registered for 89km and 40km distances, setting a new record for the event.

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