The 70th edition of the Tour of Bulgaria began here on Saturday with over 100 bicycle riders from 28 countries. The 1 km prologue in downtown Sofia was won by Slovenia's Tilen Finkst, who took the distance in 1:15.920 minutes. Next were Italy's Filippo Fortin and Slovakia's Lukas Kubis.
The official start at the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was given by Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev. Addressing the cyclists, he noted the importance of one of Europe's oldest cycling races as a means to advertise Bulgaria, because the route passes through some of the most beautiful places in this country.
Bulgarian Cycling Federation head Dragomir Kuzov wished save finish to the participants from all 21 teams.
From Sunday to Thursday, the cyclists will cover some 700 km from Sofia to Shoumen at four stages and two half-stages.
/DS/
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