I sat down with 4x national champion and pro cyclist Red Walters, to watch back and break down the Tour of Bulgaria 2.2.
2023 was a breakthrough year for Red; he finally had a consistent and high-quality calendar packed full of UCI races that gave him the stability to progress. After a solid start to the year with a number of top 20 finishes, Red hit the Tour of Bulgaria full of confidence and determination.
The race suited him: 5 likely sprint finishes, a light mountain stage and a short TT. A 7th place finish in both the opening TT and first road stage showcased his good form, but there was more to come. Finishing 2nd on stage 3 proved it again, and on stage 4 everything aligned.
Red and his team, X-Speed United, executed their plan perfectly and he took his first UCI race win, coming across the line with a lead of 5 bike lengths on anyone behind.
"Yeah a pretty good feeling! Honestly I think winning a bike race must be better than heroin... not that I've partaken" the 4x national champion said whilst watching back his maiden victory.