STAGE 16 etap 1 -August 10 2026
I took 4 days of logistics and travel and then a 80 km cycle ride to even begin this stage 16 because the border with Georgia is closed to all but essential groups and people as a legacy from Covid. So now I have joined the dots I can cycle the roughly 600 km to Baku
Bekijk het op de interactieve kaart
At the ‘Red Bridge’ Azerbaijan border
A few weeks ago I was at the Georgian side of this border just a few meters away It was quite a logistical and physical challenge to now be on this side. This picture was taken by an Azerbaijan border guard who checked my passport. Minutes later another border guard insisted he check and then detained me until his commander arrived! All ok in the end.
Qazax Olimiya Kompleksi.
I’m staying at the arena Hotel aka Olimpik Otel and just had a nice Soviet swim in the older Olympic pool at the Qazax Olimiya Kompleksi. It is an interesting reminder of the old Soviet days - including the (non) service and ‘food’. I enjoyed the memories!