Albanian National Championships descend into chaos: "People have seen him hiding in a forest. Oddly enough, his Strava data has disappeared"

With many National Championships taking place over the coming days, you'll be hard-pressed to find a crazier story than that seen in the Albanian National Championships.

Ylber Sefa, the man who had won the previous six editions of the race, recapped the events afterwards in conversation with Belgian medium Cycling Story. "I had a good view of the long straight wide roads," he explains. "There was no one to be seen. Relaxed I kept my pace. And suddenly some riders were on my wheel. I didn't believe my own eyes. That was impossible. Because I didn't weaken. Apparently, they had hung on a support car and they were sheltered by that car."

"Suddenly, about two km before the last crossing of the line, the competition jury decided not to ride the final lap anymore and to make the finish," adds Sefa's wife. Lukas Kloppenorg was the man who won the sprint, much to the disbelief of Sefa. "Apparently the titles had to go to riders from the club from Tirana," he looks to explain.

"Of course, I make it a point of honour to return to my country every year to become champion. It is not my fault that the federation does not invest in improving the Albanian riders. A few weeks ago we were not allowed to ride the Tour of Albania with Vetrapo, my current club. While Asfra was allowed to participate. That too is incomprehensible."

The drama doesn't end there either. “That man was completely parked at the second passage on the climb. People have seen him hiding in a forest along the trail," it is said. "He also suddenly appeared in the lead group again. Oddly enough, his Strava data has disappeared. Perhaps we would see that he has only ridden thirty kilometres."