Baltic Chain Tour: Norman Vahtra Wins Opening Stage and Takes the Leader's Jersey

Norman Vahtra (China Anta - Mentech Cycling Team) takes the win on the opening stage of the Baltic Chain Tour 2026, the first leg of the Baltic race. The Estonian rider covered the course in 5:48.61, prevailing in a tight sprint that saw the top five finishers all cross the line with the same time.The RaceThe inaugural stage came down to a compact finish, with the leading group settling the race in a sprint. Vahtra got the better of his direct rivals, sealing the victory on the first leg of the competition.Stage Result1. Norman Vahtra (China Anta - Mentech Cycling Team) — 5:48.612. Oskar Nisu (China Anta - Mentech Cycling Team) — s.t.3. Lauri Tamm (—) — s.t.4. Romet Pajur (Red Bull - Bora - Hansgrohe Rookies) — s.t.5. Karl Kurits (Lucky Sport Cycling Team) — s.t.General ClassificationThanks to his stage victory, Vahtra is the first leader of the race with 5:48. Behind him, Oskar Nisu and Lauri Tamm follow at +5:48, a gap that reflects the classification calculated on the stage times.The race continues tomorrow with a new stage, which will award further precious seconds in view of the general classification.