Cycling 

Petr Rikunov seen at the finish line of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament's sixth stage on April 8. Photo of Cycling News

HÀ NỘI — Petr Rikunov was back to the top position after winning his next stage at the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 8.

Rikunov of Lộc Trời finished first in the 127.5km sixth stage from Hà Nội to Thanh Hóa and narrowed the gap with overall leader Ivannov Timofei of HCM City Vinama.

Rikunov won the first three stages before he had an accident and lost his yellow jersey to Timofei in the next two stages.

On April 8, with the strong support of teammates, the Russian opened early attacks and was always in the leading group of the race.

At 35km to the finish, Phan Công Hiếu (Le Fruit Đồng Nai), Trịnh Đức Tâm (Lộc Trời Group) and Trần Nguyễn Minh Trí (Domesco Đồng Tháp) broke away from the group.

But amid heavy rain they were quickly caught up and passed by Rikunov, Nguyễn Văn Bình (HCM City New Group) and Martin Lass (620 Nông Nghiệp Vĩnh Long) in the last metres.

With the win Rikunov strengthened his top position in the blue jersey ranking for the most points athlete. Meanwhile he shortened the gap to 54 second with leader Timofei who will wear the yellow jersey for the next stage.

In other categories, all top three positions remain.

Athletes will rest on April 9 in Sầm Sơn City. The race will be back on April 10 with the team's 26.1km time trial event. VNS