One of the stranger match ups of the MG Nationals, Belarus and Ethiopia do battle to determine their respective Champions for the new season. For Ethiopia, it would be Tsgabu Gebremaryam Grmay vs Estifanos Kebede, whilst Belarus will see a triple threat, with Kanstantsin Khviyuzau vs Konstantin Siutsou vs Branislav Samoilev.
All 5 riders lined up on the start line of a route that will see them tackle two mountain climbs and a summit finish in their bid for National glory. Sadly for Khviyuzau, he was the only sprinter in the field. It might be a long day for him in the saddle.
A break of two formed over the top of the first climb, and each nation was represented by each rider. Kebede gunning for the Ethiopian title and Samoilev aiming for Belarussian glory. Those back in the main group seemed happy to let them go and the gap grew very quickly.
The pair rode well together and on the final climb, they had guaranteed their respective Jerseys for next season. With 1km to go, it would be down to a sprint for the general winner on the day.
Kebede opened up the sprint first, and opened up a gap on Samoilev with little or no effort. The Bouygues man was riding away to glory!
Samoilev had no response to Kebede and has to concede to 2nd place on the day. However, it was not the about the stage win. He, along with Kebede, will be in the National Colours next season. All others in the peleton finished well outside of the time limit.
The same 5 riders take part in the ITT race, so let battle recommence after the Road Race yesterday. Will the guys who finished outside the time limit get one over Kebede and Samoilev after they left more out on the road.
First up was the Ethoipian Riders, where Tsgabu Gebremaryam Grmay was looking to defend his title. He was slightly stronger than Estifanos Kebede against the clock, but would need to put in a confident ride today.
Following the African pair was the Belarussian trio. Just like the Road Race, this was going to be a long ride for Kanstantsin Khviyuzau, as his TT skills just could not compete with the likes of Konstantin Siutsou and Branislav Samoilev. Samoilev was looking to defend his title, and come away with a double title.
The race was very easy for Grmay, and his title defense was never in doubt. Faster than Kebede at all the checks, and takes the National TT Title by 39” over his Bouygues rival. Seems like his non-ride yesterday was in preparation for today -- 1h14’36
The Belarussian title was a little closer than Ethiopia, but in the end, it would be another title defense, as Samoilev took the victory. Running it close at the first two checks with Siutsou, the DeLaval – Kiitokori rider showed great strength over the final third of the race to guarantee a National Championships Double -- 1h13'05
Estifanos Kebede
Branislav Samoilev
