Cycling

Petr Rikunov poses with his yellow jersey after winning the 12th stage of the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 15. Photos of Cycling News

ĐÀ NẴNG — Petr Rikunov won the 12th stage and maintained top place in the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 15.

The Russian rider of Lộc Trời Group completed the 113km from Huế to Đà Nẵng with a time of 2hr 46.41min.

He was among nine cyclists in the top group attacking the Hải Vân Pass, one of the key routes that decides the King of Mountain title.

Rikunov faced strong Ivannov Timofei and Igor Frolov of HCM City Vinama in a three-head race with all wanting to bring home the title.

It was Frolov who reached the top of the Pass to take the polka dot jersey for the best mountain climber.

The race between the trio continued helping increase the speed of the leading group, extending the gap with the chasing pack to nearly one minute. 

Cyclists on the way from Huế to Đà Nắng.

Losing at the Hải Vân Pass did not trouble Rikunov whose sprinting was appreciated by all rivals. His furious pedaling helped him ease away from his rivals to cross the finish line first, earning his sixth stage win.

Timofei and Frolov were second and third, respectively.

Rikunov's win also helped him to keep both the yellow jersey for the overall leader and the green jersey for the best sprinter.

Nguyễn Tấn Hoài of Lộc Trời Group was still the best Vietnamese cyclist with his fifth place in the overall ranking.

Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc of Military Zone 7 was the best young rider.

In the team rankings, HCM City Vinama are on top, followed by Lộc Trời Group and Domesco Đồng Tháp.

Cyclists will have a day off on April 16 at the white sandy beach of Đà Nẵng. The race will continue on April 17 as riders tour from Đà Nẵng to Tam Kỳ City, Quảng Nam Province, on 88.5km. VNS