Smiltene MTB and Gravel Marathon to Feature Strong Lithuanian Contingent and River Crossing

On Sunday, August 2, Smiltene will host the fifth of six rounds in the Latvian State Forests MTB and Gravel Marathon series. Organizers have announced details about the event, which is set to bring together a strong field of riders.

The Toyota Gravel distance will see the participation of two leading cyclists from the Lithuanian team Energus – Mārtiņš Pluto and Raits Ārms. Both are enjoying a breakthrough season, with regular high-level results in UCI competitions across Europe. Their presence is expected to add serious competition to an already stacked lineup. The race will have its start and finish opposite the Smiltene Universālveikals, and unlike other distances, the Gravel route will take riders all the way to the Gaujiena area, with the other tracks winding through local forests.

The Gravel field will be particularly strong. Overall series leader Gerts Kivists, along with well-known riders such as Alekss Krasts, Roberts Slotiņš, Matīss Zērvēns and Sandijs Kļaviņš, will face the Energus duo. Home riders Oliver Jēkabs Skrapcis from Energus and Ģirts Harkins from Dako Ziemeļvidzeme are also expected to be among the contenders.

In the Everest MTB distance, Ralfs Zaļeskis, Olivers Šika and other promising young cyclists will try to end Naura Zviedra's winning streak, as he has taken victory in the previous two stages. The women's contest is set to feature a tight duel between Amanda Reilija Zariņa and Monta Pauloviča.

Organizers remind that the final kilometer includes the challenging Abula River crossing, a feature that often proves decisive for the final standings. Spectators are encouraged to cheer for the cyclists at that spot.

Slight changes have been made to the start schedule. The Maxima children's races begin at 10:30, Toyota Gravel riders start at 11:30, the LVM Atpūtas ride follows at 11:40, and the main Everest MTB mass start is scheduled for 12:00.