Katusha Team reached a strong victory in Voronezh in Elite road race of Russian Road Championships. The whole podium was completed by Katusha’s riders: Eduard Vorganov won gold medal at his home land (he is from Voronezh), Alexander Kolobnev took silver medal, Pavel Brutt became bronze medalist of the Championships.
The race of 193,8 km was very aggressive from the beginning. Four riders, including Petr Ignatenko from Katusha and Dmitry Mokrov from Itera-Katusha continental team attacked on the first lap. The breakaway worked hard and stayed in front of the race around 60 km, but finally escape was neutralized by the peloton and the work of RusVelo team.
Right after this another attack of Vladimir Gusev created a new group of 10 – 12 riders, including Pavel Brutt, Alexander Kolobnev, Yuriy Trofimov and Eduard Vorganov.
After 30 kilometers new attack of Vorganov could support only Kolobnev and Brutt – was created a new breakaway, which was decisive one.
Three Katusha’s riders worked very well together, but for a long time their advantage was not more of 1 minute. Just with 30 km to the finish Vorganov, Brutt and Kolobnev could get around 3 minutes, so it was enough for a final victory.
Thus, Eduard Vorganov crossed the finish line at first place, Alexander Kolobnev was second, while Pavel Brutt completed the podium.
– We started the race very active, in the aggressive mode. We knew, our success can be created only through attacking and controlling the race. First laps were very hard because of the high speed of the group and a lot of attacks. Besides, the only climb on every lap was a tough enough. But, our team did a very good work. After some attacks of Katusha’ riders I could go ahead together with Alex Kolobnev and Pavel Brutt. It was a right move, so we worked well to create a good gap. But, during first laps of our breakaway was very hard to hold advantage – in some moments thought, the peloton will catch us. But, finally, we could hold it and to win. I am very happy with the victory. It was a dream for me. Russian title means a lot for me. Especially, I am very happy to win in the face of my family and my friends in my hometown. I thanks all my teammates and the whole team for this victory. I dedicate this victory to my family, this is my first ever victory for Katusha Team. I am very proud to wear the Russian Champion jersey next Saturday on the start of Tour de France, – said Eduard VORGANOV.
Successful race of Katusha Team completed Vladimir Gusev, Yuriy Trofimov and Vladimir Isaychev with 4th, 5th and 6th places, respectively
KATUSHA MEDIA SERVICE