The startlist looks really interesting in Lithuania. In especially on a hilly course like this.
E. Siskevicius (Evonik) 76
Konovalovas (Yorkshire) 76
Navardauskas (1t4i) 74
Kruopis (Indosat) 70
P. Siskevicius (OTP) 69
Vaitkus (Chernobyl) 65
The top riders are very similar plus all 6 riders are alone without any support.
While the 4 top riders stay behind the two weakest puncheurs attack and form the break.
First is well known. Thomas Vaitkus is a strong roleur and allrounder. His weakest spot though is the climbing hence his situation isn`t ideal.
2nd is possibly the weakest and most unknown rider in the field. P. Siskevicius though is a stronger puncheur than the veteran in front of him. So it could still be very interesting.
Really a pity. None of the strong puncheurs is willed to work for the others and they don`t find an agreement to share the work. So those 4 behind give up and allow the duo to decide the win.
For the guys in front though it`s a nice experience. Vaitkus is more experienced but is in a bad position. Siskevicius sitting behind him with only the hill ahead.
When accelerating with 1,5km Vaitkus struggles to follow.
The young OTP rider has a nice gap already. His future looks pretty well as he is seen as a nice puncheur talent in his country.
A big step for him in his young career. Winning the NC with 22 years of age against 5 popular riders is a nice addition to his palmares.
Vaitkus in 2nd tried it on this terrain but lacked the skills for it while all others really should have given it a better fight.
Similar interesting the ITT. Navardauskas is favourite but reigning champion Konovalovas is just a very bit weaker.
Kruopis and Vaitkus already with a bit of a gap to them strength wise.
Wow. It couldn`t be any close between those two. Konovalovas in the lead at the first split. But within the same time as Navardauskas.
25s later Vaitkus and another 11 for Kruopis. No chance for the Siskevicius guys.
2nd split and Navardauskas takes the lead this time. But still within the same time as Konovalovas!
Can Konovalovas defend the jersey? He takes the lead at the 3rd split.
But a bit later Navardauskas has also reached this point and who would be surprised? Same time. Though no swap this time as the 1t4i rider keeps the lead.
Both riders pass the line. They gave everything until the very end. So who wins?
At 1h08'21 the clock stops for Konovalovas. Navardauskas still on the road and the seconds go towards this time. 3...2...1 and Navardauskas comes in. 1h08'21 for him. So the same time until the very end. But he seems to be a few hundreds ahead as the officials give him the number 1.
So Navardauskas takes the ITT NC in Lithuania for Project 1t4i. Great fight by Konovalovas but he loses the jersey today.
Paulius Siskevicius
