The opening and start of the XIth Cycling Road race BALTIC CHAIN TOUR started today in Laisvė Square. The BALTIC CHAIN TOUR race has been held since 2011. They are symbolic commemoration of the Baltic Way campaign which was organised on August 23, 1989 in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This year, Lithuania is represented in the race by two teams - "Voltas Cycling Team" and "Kaunas Cycling Team".

The first intermediate finish of the race is scheduled in Vabalninka (34.8 km), the second in Kupiški (61.9 km) and the third one in Troškūnai (116.3 km). Cyclists will finish in Panevėžys – from 2:20 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

"This beautiful initiative reminds us all of the unity, concentration and strength of the people who participated in the Baltic Way. I wish that this fighting spirit will accompany you during all race. Best of luck to all of you", said Panevėžys City Deputy Mayor Lauras Jagminas.

In total, 17 teams from 11 countries started the race: Estonia (3), Germany (3), Lithuania (2), Norway (2), Belgium (1), Czech Republic (1), Denmark (1), Georgia (1), Latvia (1), Netherlands (1) and Sweden (1). The competition will consist of four stages: one in Lithuania and Latvia, and two in Estonia.

The second stage (149 km; Jelgava–Sigulda) will take place on August 19, the third (166.7 km; Tartu–Valga) on August 20, and the fourth (200 km; Kurema–Tallinn) on August 21.