Kivistik and Rodionova win LVM MTB and Gravel Marathon 4th stage in Ogre
On Sunday, the fourth stage of the LVM MTB and Gravel Marathon took place at Ogre's Blue Hills. In the Gravel distance, Gerts Kivistik and Renāte Rodionova emerged victorious, while Nauris Zviedris and Amanda Reilija Zariņa won the MTB category.
On Sunday, July 13, the fourth stage of the Latvian State Forests (LVM) MTB and Gravel Marathon was held at Ogre's Blue Hills. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was excellent as athletes competed across several distances.
The Gravel distance of 66 km attracted nearly 200 participants, highlighting the growing popularity of the discipline. This year's course consisted of two laps heading towards Saulkalne. Although there were no significant climbs, the route was challenging. The final kilometers again led through the forest paths of the Blue Hills.
In the men's race, after a breakaway by several riders, the overall leader Gerts Kivistik from Estonia (team "Peleton") won a thrilling sprint finish, narrowly beating Roberts Slotiņš ("Dako Ziemeļvidzeme"). Both recorded the same time of 1:45:36. Third place went to Lithuanian Oliver Jēkabs Skrapcis ("Energus") +1 second, followed by Gusts Lapiņš, Aleksandrs Patrijuks, and Sandijs Kļaviņš.
In the women's competition, Renāte Rodionova ("ĀdažiVelo") from Carnikava secured a convincing victory, finishing eight minutes ahead of runner-up Annija Keita Sabule ("Dako Ziemeļvidzeme"). Anita Antone ("FeelFree.lv") took third, 15 seconds behind Sabule. In the team standings, "FeelFree.lv" won.
In the "Everest" MTB distance (41 km), Nauris Zviedris ("Dako Ziemeļvidzeme") and Everts Meijers ("NN Sporta klubs") rode together in the first lap. During the second lap, Zviedris broke away and claimed victory in 1:20:57. Meijers finished second (+1:23), and Edgars Ābols ("DTG MySport") was third (+2:07). Notably, four-time champion Arnis Pētersons finished fourth as he regains form. In the women's MTB, Amanda Reilija Zariņa ("FeelFree.lv") won in 1:38:18. Dace Almane was second (+2:59), and previous stage winner Monta Pauloviča came third (+4:19).
Among juniors, Everts Meijers won; in the youth category, Mārtiņš Ice took first; and among girls, Lauma Lange. In the MTB team classification, "Dako Ziemeļvidzeme" emerged victorious.
In the "LVM Recreation" ride over 20 km, Ralfs Kaļveršs ("Salaspils Zīriņi") won solo in 46:09, ahead of Adrians Purlaurs (+2:16) and Tomass Pekuss (+2:43). Among girls, Šarlote Kļumele ("RRS") took the win.
Children's races by "Maxima" also took place. The next stage is scheduled for August 2 in Smiltene.
