This year's Estonian National Championships included a field of only 6 riders, two less than last year. The route is short and mountainous, so we'll see how it plays out.
The first attack includes more riders than not, but quickly the stragglers make there way back up and we are all back together.
The next two to attack get away as the other group shuts down the chase. Ironically, it is the two losers from last year's break, Gert Joeaar and Mihkel Räim.
The gap slowly expands, and with a gap over over 7 minutes, it seems the breakaway should take this. On the final downhill, it is Joeaar who attacks first. No issues though, he is quickly marked.
Meanwhile, despite the large gap, Taaramäe revs up the pace just for a bit. But quickly that motivation turns to dejection, and they sit up again, giving up any chance of victory.
No moves up the final climb. They are side by side 1 km from the finish.
Until now. Räim digs hard and gets some space with only a few hundred meters remaining!
Joeaar is gaining ground, clawing his way back, but does he have enough room?
No he doesn't! Mihkel Räim is your Estonian National Road Champion for 2015! Joeaar will have to settle for runner up once again.
And those would prove to be the only finishers. With the jersey already out of reach, the other 4 pack it into the caravan and call it a day half way up the final climb.
The TT route is constant through all NC's this year, and as usual the overwhelming favorite is Rein Taaramäe.
Joeaar sets the early best time. But is it destined to last?
No, of course not. Tanel Kangert smashes it by 1'35'' and heads into the hot seat. But surely he can't take it away from the de facto King of Estonia, right?
Apparently not! Taaramäe leads at the first check but fades heavily over the second half of the course, coming in 15 seconds after his compatriot. A new rider will be wearing the NC jersey for Estonia in 2016, and that rider is Tanel Kangert.
