The first in the history of Kazakhstan international cycling race under the auspices of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for the sixths consecutive time will hit the roads of the Southern Capital as a two-day road racing event.
The Tour of Almaty-2018 remains among the leading professional road bicycle races in Central Asia. Experts gave recognition to the last year trial experience of organising the race as a multi-day event, so, this year the race will also proceed in two days – on September 29th and 30th.
The route of the Tour of Almaty-2018 will feature the central roadways of the city, including Astana Square . Traditional laps are awaiting the participants – “Eastern Detour Motorway – Al Farabi” with the finish line set at one of the most symbolic places in Almaty – the Medeo skating rink.
“We took on the first challenge last year – organised a two-day race, and it should be noted that multi-day race implies a completely different logistics, the arrangements of the race differed from the previous editions. We have tried a new course, adapted the race to the city environment, positioning start and finish points on both days near particular buildings, avoiding major traffic disruptions. Last year we tested dynamic traffic management to pass the race through the city. The streets will closed for motor vehicles only for the periods of time when racers were riding those sections of the route. Thus, we tried to minimize inconveniences for the citizens of Almaty”, - said Amanbek Kulchikov, the Vice President of the Federation of Cycling Sport of Kazakhstan.
Details of the route of the race:
On September 29th, stage 1 will take off from the Kazakh-British University building (Astana Square), then it will circle the city loop covering Tole Bi Street up to Dostyk Avenue, then up to Satpaev Street. Then it will head to Nazarbaev Avenue up to Al Farabi. Along Al Farabi the race will reach the junction at Toraigyrova Street and turn back. But this time it will head to Seifullin Street, then down to Satpaev Street, through to Baizakov heading to Abai Avenue. Two concluding turns will cover Zheltoksan Street down to Tole Bi street, then turning right to Astana Square. This year stage 1 will consist of seven city laps, covering the total of 182.7 km.
Stage 2 on September 30th, will set off from Halyk Arena building, and proceed along “Eastern Detour Motorway – Al Farabi” section, take a u-turn at Kuldjinskiy motorway junction. The next turn on the route is by the Park of the First President and then the race will spearhead for the final stretch to the Medeo skating rink. Stage total is 160 km.
The racers of 21 teams representing 15 countries will compete for the champion's title of the Tour of Almaty-2018. Several teams will perform under the flag of Kazakhstan, including professional Astana Pro Team, featuring Alexey Lutsenko, the four-time winner of the Tour of Almaty.
The Tour of Almaty-2018 will be aired by Qazaqstan TV and radio corporation as the general broadcaster on Qazsport channel. Live coverage of stage 2 will also be set by the Eurosport Channel with over 60 mln audience.