Neamț County hosts the Cupa României cycling competition

The Cupa României cycling competition takes place in Neamț County during 5–8 May 2011. The competition is open to both juniors and cadets and comprises four stages on different routes. Neamț County was chosen to host this year's competition because its routes offer excellent racing conditions. There will be one stage each day: two over long distances, starting in Piatra Neamț, and two shorter time trials.

45 cyclists have entered the competition, representing clubs from Romania, two teams from the Republic of Moldova – Chișinău and Bălți – and clubs from Bulgaria.

The event is organised by the Federation with support from the Town Hall and Local Council of Piatra Neamț, the Sport and Youth Directorate of Neamț, the Police Inspectorate of Neamț County and SC Publiserv Piatra Neamț.

Cupa Romaniei cycling competition 2011, Neamț County

Piatra Neamț has six entrants in the competition, all athletes from the commune of Negrești: Cosmin Stoleriu, Sabrin Drăgoi, Daniel Cojocariu, Stefan Ilisei, Vlad Rusu and Răzvan Ilisei. These cyclists belong to Veloclub Piatra Neamț and are our county's hopes for a medal at the end of the competition.

Race programme for the Cupa României cycling competition

5 May – at 10.00 – Stage 1 The race starts at Sala Polivalentă, on the way out of Piatra Neamț towards Roman. The circular route is 74 km long, returning towards the town of Piatra Neamț and finishing in the car park in front of Condor Motel.

6 May – at 10.00 – Stage 2 This sprint stage takes place on the road linking Girov to Roznov. The race is 16 km long, following an out-and-back route between Girov and Dumbrava Deal.

7 May – at 10.00 – Stage 3 This is the longest stage of the competition, covering 84 km. The race starts in front of the Dinasty shop on 1 Decembrie 1918 Street, on the way out towards Târgu Neamț. The cyclists will then follow this route: Piatra Neamț – Gârcina – Dobreni – Oșlobeni – Crăcăoani – Bălțătești – Agapia (turning back at Săcălusesti), returning via Crăcăoani – Poiana Crăcăoani – Negrești. The finish is at the wayside cross at the junction of the Piatra Neamț – Târgu Neamț road and the road towards Almaș.

8 May – at 10.00 – Stage 4 This stage takes place in Piatra Neamț along the route Teatrul Tineretului – House of Culture – History Museum – Grand Hotel Ceahlău. The route covers 38.4 km over the 24 laps the cyclists must complete.

At the end of this race, the awards ceremony will take place in front of Teatrul Tineretului in Piatra Neamț.

The organisers invite cycling enthusiasts to watch the races in the Cupa României cycling competition and support the competitors from Neamț County in their bid for medals.