Pajur wins first elite road race title in Panevėžys, defending champion Mihkels finishes 29th

Romet Pajur claimed his first-ever elite men's Estonian road cycling title at the Baltic and Estonian Championships held in Panevėžys, Lithuania. In the women's race, Elisabeth Ebras successfully defended her Estonian championship title in a dramatic photo finish. Next year's Baltic Championships road race will return to Estonia, taking place in Tartu.

Romet Pajur (RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe Rookies) claimed his first elite-category Estonian road race title on Saturday in Panevėžys, Lithuania, where the Baltic and Estonian Cycling Championships concluded in dramatic fashion for both the men's and women's fields.

Men's Race: Pajur Dominates

In the 161-kilometre men's elite race, the action began immediately from the gun. After several early attacks, a large breakaway group of around 25 riders formed, notably without defending champion Madis Mihkels (EF Education-EasyPost), which only added urgency to the escapees' efforts. Heading into the final lap, five riders broke clear from the leading group, and from that quintet came the winner.

Pajur crossed the line in a time of 3:15.30, leaving Oskar Küüt (Quick Pro Team) and Norman Vahtra (China Anta-Mentech Cycling Team) firmly behind him in second and third place respectively. Rait Ärm (Energus Cycling Team) finished fourth, while Lithuanian Aivaras Mikutis (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) rounded out the top five. Mihkels, the reigning champion, ultimately finished 29th, conceding 2 minutes and 36.5 seconds to Pajur.

Women's Thriller Ends in Photo Finish

The 120.8-kilometre women's elite race proved equally compelling. Mariann Koik (Minimax WB Cycling Team) was the first to attack from the peloton, but was reeled back in around the halfway mark. Ann-Christine Allik and Lithuanian riders Daiva Ragažinskienė and Olivija Baleišytė then broke away together, only for the main bunch to chase them down as well. With the race decided in a bunch sprint, Lithuanian Akvile Gedraityte took the Baltic title in 3:05.02, keeping the Baltic Championship crown at home.

The battle for the Estonian title itself came down to a photo finish between second and third place. When the result was confirmed, Elisabeth Ebras (Lotto Intermarché Ladies) was awarded the Estonian champion's blue-black-white jersey for the second consecutive year. Laura Lizette Sander claimed the silver medal, while Aidi Gerde Tuisk (both from Hitec Products-Fluid Control) took bronze.

Tartu to Host Next Year

Looking ahead, the Baltic Championships road race will return to Estonian soil in 2027, this time set to take place in Tartu.