Mihajlo Stolić is the winner of the first stage of the 73rd International Tour of Bulgaria, donning the leader's yellow jersey immediately after the conclusion of the opening day of racing. The 22-year-old Serbian cyclist triumphed at the finish line in Burgas after navigating an incredibly dynamic route starting from Primorsko. Throughout the stage, strong crosswinds and constant attacks between the riders caused the peloton to splinter.

In addition to his stage win, Stolić was also awarded the white jersey for the best young rider. The Serbian already has history in the race, having won the second stage last year on the route from Karnobat to Kazanlak. "I tried to break away 10 kilometers before the finish, but I didn't manage it. I like this race," he shared immediately after the event.

The top of the standings was rounded out by Italian cyclists: Giosuè Crescioli finished in second place, and Riccardo Biondani placed third. Here is how the remaining honors were distributed after the first day:

  • The purple jersey for the most active rider was won by Jeen de Jong from the Universe Cycling Team, who accumulated the most points during the intermediate sprints.
  • The white jersey for the best climber was not awarded to anyone, as there were no climbs on the route.

Georgi Drumev, President of the Bulgarian Cycling Federation, gave a high rating to the organization, describing it as "perfect" and "very professional." He noted that the start of the Tour was extremely dynamic, emphasizing that "the riders started attacking right from the start." Drumev explained that due to the crosswinds and numerous splits, a group reached the finish line with a lead over the main peloton.

The federation president expects an even tougher battle in the second stage, which will take the peloton from Burgas to Sliven on Sunday. According to him, as the route nears Sliven, the winds become more intense and stronger, which foreshadows major splits early on and ensures that every stage will remain unpredictable until the very end. The distance of the second stage is 105.5 kilometers.

There are 17 teams from 11 countries participating in the 73rd edition of the international tour, including four Bulgarian teams. At the end of today's awards ceremony, the Secretary General of the Bulgarian Cycling Federation, Todor Kolev, presented an official plaque to the Deputy Mayor of Burgas, Manol Todorov.