B and O's excellent stage racer Alexander Pluichkin is the star in the field of the Romanian and Moldovan national championships held in neutral Slovenia.
The parcours:
It suits punchier riders, but it will be very tough for Sambris (Quiksilver) and youngster Cioben (Philips) to challenge Pluichkin here. The Romanian's lack that star power but at least have had Nechita (Intesa) involved in the pro peleton here, he should win the RR today but the TT may be more tricky agains Stoica.
Stoica and the other Romanian Franzeanu are involved in an early break of three with Moldovan Zemliona. However Pluichkin is eager to take his national colours this year and closes this down quickly and moves solo.
It proves the knockout blow in the Moldovan national RR championships as already Sambris is left to try and chase this one alone.
Behind the duel Romanian move against Nechita fades as the ex-Intesa man moves past them and goes away with Cioben at the 50km mark.
So Pluchkin takes the win comfortably from Sambris who gave a game chase all the way to the line.
Meanwhile Nechita's search for a contract next year may be helped by winning his national colours.
