The third republican cycling race dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the memory of the Council of Belarusian Saints has started in Polotsk
11.06.2026
The Vitebsk region team gathered in the ancient city, where before the start of the important event, they participated in a prayer service in the Holy Cross Cathedral and received the support of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk.
The starting point of the race was the monument to the Liberators of Polotsk. A solemn rally was held at this landmark.
– May every kilometer you cover be filled with pride for our history, love for your native land, and faith in the future, – wished the participants Deputy Chairman of the Polotsk District Executive Committee Oksana Grib.
Deputy Head of the Department of Sports and Tourism of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Denis Shkiryanov also addressed the attendees, emphasizing that the event is not only sporting but also spiritual, educational, and patriotic. Along the route are significant historical sites where cyclists will lay flowers at memorials and commemorative signs, paying tribute to the feat of the Belarusian people. This race will be a vivid example of how sports, history, and faith unite people.
The rector of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos of Polotsk, Valery Ryzhankov, wished the participants a good journey and urged them to honor the spiritual shrines and the feat of those who gave us a peaceful sky overhead.
As a sign of grateful memory and sorrow, all those present laid flowers at the Eternal Flame near the monument to the Liberators of Polotsk.
And then the team from the Vitebsk region, joined by dozens of supporters of a healthy lifestyle from the ancient city, as well as from neighboring Novopolotsk, set off.
The marathon participants will have to cover a route of 240 km through the region, which will pass through Polotsk, Glubokskoye, and Dokshitsky districts.
The grand finale of the cycling race will take place on June 13 in the Minsk region. Here, athletes from all over our country will meet and complete the final stages of the cycling race from the city of Logoisk and the urban settlement of Pleschenitsy to the "Khatyn" memorial complex, where commemorative events will be held.