Baku–Khankendi cycling race preparations finalised, organisers say PHOTO

Final preparations have been completed for the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation’s international stage race, Baku–Khankendi, which is scheduled to take place from May 10 to 14, organisers said.

A concluding meeting of the organising committee was held at the Republican Cycling Track in Baku, where officials reviewed the final state of readiness for the UCI 2.1-category event, according to the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation, Caliber.Az reports, citing domestic media.

Sahib Alakbarov, head of the organising committee and first vice-president of the federation, said all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the successful delivery of the race.

He added that preparations had been fully completed and that several participating teams had already arrived in Baku and were conducting training sessions in the capital.

Roland Hofer, technical director of the race and honorary secretary-general of the European Cycling Union, described the return of major cycling competitions to Azerbaijan as a significant development.

He said organisational work had been carried out to a high standard, with safety, logistics, medical support and technical arrangements along the route meeting international requirements.

Hofer also noted that the Baku–Khankendi route held particular importance both for its sporting challenge and for showcasing Azerbaijan’s varied landscapes. He said riders would compete across multiple terrain types, increasing the competitive intensity of the five-day event.

A total of 24 teams from 20 countries are expected to take part in the race, which begins on 10 May.

Organisers said the event aims to support the development of cycling in Azerbaijan, strengthen the country’s profile on the international sporting stage, and promote its potential for sports tourism in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev