The multi-stage cycling race "Russia" started in Kostroma on May 16.

The League of Heroes, with the support of the Russian Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, held the first stage of the Russia multi-day cycling race in Kostroma on May 16. The launch is timed to coincide with the upcoming anniversary of the famous Golden Ring of Russia tourist route and is aimed at popularizing domestic tourism.

"It is a great honor for us to host the country's flagship cycling event on the route of the Golden Ring of Russia, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. Kostroma is an incredibly beautiful and distinctive city steeped in ancient history, it was important for us to organize a cycling festival for local residents and athletes at the highest level. More than 60 athletes took part in the start, and more than 1,000 people participated in the cycling festival," said Nazari Kolomiets, head of sports projects at the League of Heroes.

The first stage took place along the ancient merchant's road between Nerekhta and the village of Rudino and was accompanied by a large-scale bike festival along the central streets of Kostroma, a running tour along the historical route and a gastrofestival on the central square of the city.

In the women's competition, the top three winners were Marina Koleskina with a score of 1:09:56, Anastasia Korchagina (1:15:37) and Maria Kurnosova (1:17:16).

In the men's ranking, the first three places were taken: Mikhail Semin (0:59:35), Nikolay Zharikov (1:00:50) and Andrey Agapov with a time of 1:03:50.

The results of the winners and prize-winners of the stage are fixed and will be taken into account based on the results of the entire cycling race in the absolute standings among men and women. For other cycling enthusiasts of any level of training, a cycling festival was available — a large-scale cycling tour of the most iconic sights.

The next stage of the multi-day cycling race "Russia" will be held on June 6 in Vladimir and Suzdal.