First multi-day Tour of Armenia cycling race begins

The international multi-day Tour of Armenia cycling race has begun. The 135 km first stage ran from Gavar to Mets Masrik along the shores of Lake Sevan.

The stage was won by Poland's Michał Pomorski with an average speed of 52.3 km/h. Second place went to Medway Fletcher, who also took the white jersey of the best young rider.

The race has been included in the UCI Europe Tour calendar for the first time, in category 2.2. "This is a historic day. Our state has never had such an experience; we have been preparing this project for about two years," Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said.

Sixteen teams are taking part, including Armenia's national team. Over four days riders will cover more than 500 km. The leaders' jerseys are decorated with Armenian symbols.