With a history that dates to 1030, Tartu is one of the oldest communities in the Baltic States, as well as Estonia’s second largest city with approximately 100 000 inhabitants. The gateway to Southern Estonia, Tartu is home to a medieval Hanseatic trade center and a modern university city renowned for its scientific achievements.
Tartu’s elegant Town Hall Square in lined with classical buildings is pastel shades ...
Read moreWith a history that dates to 1030, Tartu is one of the oldest communities in the Baltic States, as well as Estonia’s second largest city with approximately 100 000 inhabitants. The gateway to Southern Estonia, Tartu is home to a medieval Hanseatic trade center and a modern university city renowned for its scientific achievements.
Tartu’s elegant Town Hall Square in lined with classical buildings is pastel shades and al fresco cafes. The cobblestoned plaza has long been a gathering spot for citizens and visitors, particularly the city’s large student population. Forty percent of Tartu’s residents are connected with Tartu University. In recognition of this youthful spirit, in 1998 a sculpture of two kissing students was erected in front of the city’s Town Hall.
The Criterium Tartu, unlike many single day events, is not a point to point race, but a circuit based race. The riders race for 10 laps on a 10 km long circuit. Criterium Tartu starts in front of Aura centre, and goes southeast on the street Turu, before the course turns back again on Tähe. It goes all the way north to Vanemuise, that connect the course with Turu again.
Criterium Tartu is raced on relatively flat terrain, which makes it difficult for small group or single rider to break away from the peloton. The best sprint teams will start to organize around there sprinters in the last lap. The fastest rider in the peloton will be the first to cross the finish line outside Aura centre.
