The Crimea in spring is a perfect place for training before a new season. Warm sunny weather and little rains inspire to daily trainings on different types of routes. Racing season began early enough this year, on April 16-17 I already took part in the first stage of Alushta Cup.

The “Lavender” track is well known from previous races, it has undergone some changes in the second part, but in general it remains high speed, not very difficult and suitable for the beginning of the season. This year the rules of the competition changed: qualifications and finals were held on the same day and Saturday was totally given to official trainings.

There were not so many participants, but the struggle in all the categories was worthful. My main aim was to ride fast but smooth, I prefer not to waste efforts at the beginning. In addition to that, we had little time for training before this race. At the final stage I improved my qualification time, I had some mistake at the rocky part of the route, but then I compensated it by excellent work at straight tracks and won decisively.