The Baltic Road Cycling Championship is a unique event in Europe, where three countries determine their national champions within a single competition. A similar model is followed by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The idea behind the joint championship is to increase the level of competition and significantly enhance the event's quality, making it one of the most prestigious cycling events in North Europe.
This year, it is Latvia’s turn to host the championship. The event will take place in the scenic and hilly Cēsis region. The city of Cēsis is known for its cleanliness and hospitality and is ready to welcome more than 500 cyclists from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia over the four-day event. The first two days of competition will take place in Priekuļi, followed by races in Cēsis, with the grand finale on June 29.
The championship will begin on June 26 in Priekuļi with races for the M16 boys, W16 girls, junior women, U23 women, senior men (M65+), and senior women (M40+). Riders will compete on a hilly 19-kilometre loop. The race center will be located at the Vidzeme Technology and Design Tehnical School.
On June 27, the U23 men will kick off the day with a 139-kilometre route through picturesque landscapes and high-quality roads, passing through Priekuļi, Vecpiebalga, Jaunpiebalga, Rēveļi, and Rauna, finishing back in Priekuļi. Later in the day, the junior men will race a 112.1-kilometre route on the Priekuļi loop.
In the evening of June 27, the popular Segafredo Coffee Race will take place in Cēsis, open to all cyclists. Participants will ride to the ruins of Rauna Castle, where a coffee break awaits, followed by the return trip to Cēsis, partially along the Priekuļi and Cēsis city circuits.
Saturday, June 28, will be dedicated to amateur and senior male riders. At 11:00, the M45–64 group will start, followed by the M19–44 group at 14:00. Riders will compete on both the Priekuļi and Cēsis circuits. Each lap will end with the Lenču Street climb – almost a kilometre long.
The championship's climax will be on Sunday, June 29. At 10:00, the elite and amateur women (ages 19–39) will begin their 98.6-kilometre race through Priekuļi and Cēsis city circuits.
At 14:00, the elite men will start their 176-kilometre race – four laps in Priekuļi and four laps in Cēsis. All top Latvian riders, along with the strongest competitors from Estonia and Lithuania, are expected to compete.
Organizers have also planned activities for the youngest cycling enthusiasts. At 10:30, children’s races will begin, free of charge for all young participants. Spectators can follow the action on a big screen or watch the live broadcast on TV4. There will also be a fan zone, sponsor activities, and other surprises.
Registration is already open. Latvian athletes, as well as Estonian and Lithuanian amateurs, can register at www.bulta.lv/brc.
Registration for Estonian youth, junior, U23, and elite athletes is available at: www.iseteenindus.ejl.ee
Registration for Lithuanian youth, junior, U23, and elite athletes is available at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY2VR9KLsUoJVYxcUUlFqp9pT-wLh8RA2adYFm0tY2lZgs-w/viewform?usp=header
