Azerbaijani cyclist makes history with victory at Granfondo Başkent in Türkiye PHOTO

Azerbaijani cyclist Natalya Vallek has secured a groundbreaking victory at the prestigious Granfondo Başkent race, becoming the first female athlete in Azerbaijan’s cycling history to win an international Granfondo competition.

Vallek, representing the Public Union Young Professional Cyclists, claimed the overall first place among women in the 91-kilometre race held in Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, Caliber.Az reports per Azerbaijan Cycling Federation.

The event, known formally as Granfondo Capital (Başkent), drew close to 1,000 participants and featured a demanding route through mountainous terrain, with cyclists climbing to an altitude of 1,300 metres above sea level.

Vallek not only won the overall women’s category but also topped her age group — marking a historic double victory that underscores her rising prominence in the sport.

The Azerbaijani delegation, composed of coach Musa Mikayilzada and cyclists Vugar Salahov, Natalya Vallek, and Golamreza Jamfarsadi, represented the Young Professional Cyclists Club. Despite stiff international competition, the team delivered solid performances across the board.

Vugar Salahov finished 12th in the 40–44 age category

Golamreza Jamfarsadi placed 6th in the 55+ category

The team’s performance was praised as a major milestone for Azerbaijani cycling, particularly in light of the increasing competitiveness of international Granfondo events.

Building on this momentum, the Young Professional Cyclists Club has announced plans to participate in several more international Granfondo races later this year, aiming to further elevate Azerbaijan’s presence on the global cycling stage.

By Vafa Guliyeva