Thank you to the Latviesi.com association! With your support, our project reaches Latvians on all continents. We are pleased that interest in our work and in the preservation of Latvia’s cycling history is reaching a wide audience beyond the borders of Latvia. This gives us additional motivation to continue researching, collecting, and sharing historical materials.… Turpiniet lasīt Information about the Project on Latviesi.com
Māra Japiņa / Federe (1933–2024). Today we share unique historical material about an outstanding Latvian athlete. From her relatives, we have received 250 photographs, and in this article we publish 61 images dated to the 1950s–1980s. Māra Japiņa / Federe was a two-time USSR track cycling champion. Her sporting career also includes seven silver and… Turpiniet lasīt Māra Japiņa / Federe Archive
We sincerely thank Ainārs Ķikšs for supporting our project – the creation of a publicly accessible digital platform dedicated to preserving historical materials about Latvian cyclists and speed skaters. Our goal is to preserve the stories, achievements, and memories of these athletes, ensuring they are not lost over time and remain accessible both today and… Turpiniet lasīt Support from Ainārs Ķikšs!
Vladimir Ribakov (1939–2019). From the family of Vladimir Ribakov, we have received 220 photographs that will be digitized. In this article, we share what we consider to be the most interesting of them. At present, technical maintenance is taking place on www.periodika.lv (the newspaper archive), therefore we are currently unable to provide a more detailed… Turpiniet lasīt Vladimir Ribakov Archive
We are delighted to express our sincere thanks to the editorial team of the magazine “Illustrated World History” and journalist Ilze Grīnuma for the extensive article on the development of cycling in Latvia published in the latest issue. The October 2025 issue has been released today, presenting the history of cycling through six engaging feature… Turpiniet lasīt Photographs in the Magazine “Illustrated World History”.
Thank you to Krists Neilands for supporting our project – the creation of a publicly accessible digital platform dedicated to preserving historical materials about Latvian cyclists and speed skaters. Our goal is to preserve the stories, achievements, and memories of these athletes, ensuring they are not lost over time and become accessible both today and… Turpiniet lasīt Support from Krists Neilands!
In a previous article, we already mentioned that a member of the Cycling Sports Association “Latvello” visited Liepāja and Grobiņa, where 521 photographs were digitized. This time, we present a 1966 newsreel showing a cycling race on the Riga–Liepāja–Riga route. Unfortunately, the website periodika.lv is currently unavailable, therefore we cannot provide more detailed information about… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel: Cyclists’ Race on the Riga–Liepāja–Riga Route!
A few days ago, a representative of the Cycling Sports Association “Latvello”, Oskars, traveled to Liepāja and Grobiņa, where he was warmly welcomed by several former cycling veterans. Over the course of two days, meeting with the families of Gaļina Aleksandrova, Kārlis Kandēvičs, Laimdota Barga (Reimane), Laima Baužīte, Vladimirs Krasavcevs, Jānis Gūtmanis, Nikolajs Pušņickis, Valdis… Turpiniet lasīt Cycling Memories from Liepāja and Grobiņa!
Thank you to Toms Skujiņš for supporting our project – the creation of a publicly accessible digital platform dedicated to preserving historical materials about Latvian cyclists and speed skaters. Our goal is to preserve the stories, achievements, and memories of these athletes, ensuring they are not lost over time and become accessible both today and… Turpiniet lasīt Support from Toms Skujiņš!
With deep regret, we announce that on August 13, 2025, at the age of 95, our association member Edgars Račis has passed away. Edgars devoted the greater part of his life to cycling. At just 15 years of age, he began working at the bicycle factory “Sarkanā Zvaigzne” as a bicycle assembler. He was active… Turpiniet lasīt In Memoriam – Edgars Račis
The Cycling Sports Association “Latvello” has received 17 historical photographs featuring Imants Bodnieks. In this article, we publish these photographs, which we have restored and partially colorized to better highlight the details. Imants was born on May 20, 1941, in Riga and became a significant figure in the history of Latvian and world track cycling.… Turpiniet lasīt Imants Bodnieks – A Legend of Latvian Cycling
The association has acquired a valuable historical witness – the final lap bell that once rang during competitions at the “Marss” cycling club velodrome. This bell was used to signal the beginning of the decisive final lap, and for many years it remained on the velodrome grounds. On March 31, 2008, when the velodrome was… Turpiniet lasīt The Final Lap Bell of the “Marss” Cycling Club Velodrome!
On behalf of the Cycling Sports Association “Latvello”, we would like to express our gratitude to the regional media outlet “Ziemeļlatvija” and journalist Sandra Pētersone for their responsiveness in publishing information about the digital database project. Such support helps us reach a wider audience and encourages public interest in the preservation and digitization of Latvia’s… Turpiniet lasīt Article in the Newspaper!
Yesterday, we received a valuable donation from Raimonds Lapkovskis (a former cyclist) — 16 photo albums belonging to his father, Heronīms Lapkovskis. These albums contain unique photographs taken between 1947 and 1981, documenting both sporting life and social activities in various regions of Latvia. Heronīms Lapkovskis (08.08.1928–11.09.2008) was born in Pilskalne Parish, Ilūkste District. In… Turpiniet lasīt Donation of 16 Photo Albums
A few days ago, together with Modris Dievkociņš — a cycling sports enthusiast and former member of the officials’ panel — we visited Jānis Liljē, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year. Jānis began his sporting career with the team of the Riga Bicycle Factory “Sarkanā Zvaigzne” (previously known as the G. Ērenpreiss… Turpiniet lasīt Jānis Liljē
Both Dainis and many other well-known Latvian cyclists support the initiative of the Cycling Sports Association “Latvello” to create a unified, publicly accessible digital platform, where photographs, videos, and audiovisual materials will be collected and digitized, along with articles from newspapers, books, and other sources about athletes who were professionally involved in cycling during the… Turpiniet lasīt Support from Dainis Ozols!
A few days ago, a member of the association visited the late Ringolds Kalnenieks. Sitting in the living room by his desk and sharing a cup of coffee, Ringolds spoke with a smile about his sporting achievements, adventures, training sessions, and, of course, also mentioned his fellow competitors of that era. His stories were filled… Turpiniet lasīt A gift from Ringolds Kalnienieks!
A few days ago, the association’s representative Oskars visited Smiltene, where together with Valmiera Velomeistars and passionate cycling enthusiast Māris Pētersons, he met with Dainis Ozols, bronze medalist in the road race at the 1992 Olympic Games, as well as Armands and Everits Akmentiņš. Dainis supports the initiative of the Cycling Sports Association “Latvello” and… Turpiniet lasīt Trip to Smiltene!
With deep sorrow, we announce that on 15 February 2025, cycling star and RSB “Latvello” member Faris Kučinskis passed away. During his career, Faris became a USSR champion in track sprint tandem racing, winning four silver medals and one bronze medal. He was a six-time USSR Cup winner in tandem sprint, classic sprint, and team… Turpiniet lasīt In Memoriam – Faris Kučinskis
In 1963 (August 31 and September 1), cycling competitions took place at the “Daugava” velodrome (formerly known as “Marss”). Information from newspapers. On the first day, the men’s sprint event was held. The semifinals featured Rostislav Vargashkins (from Leningrad), Imants Bodnieks, Ernests Pūce, V. Krasko and V. Paija. The four best riders competed against each… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel – Imants Bodnieks and Ernests Pūce!
We have received several interesting donations related to cycling: A book published in 1929 titled “The Ninth Olympic Games”; Booklets of the 3rd and 4th Latvian Cyclists’ Unity Rides published in 1938 and 1939; A participant’s certificate of the 4th Unity Ride issued to Alberts Džarcāns (three-time USSR champion); A participant’s certificate of the very… Turpiniet lasīt Gift!
In the article published on November 7, 2024, we already mentioned that we received a donation of 1,963 photographs taken by Māris Millers. At the moment, we are actively working on identifying the athletes shown in these photographs. If you recognize any of them, please leave a comment and also click the “Share” button —… Turpiniet lasīt BMX (24 Years Ago) – Help Identify the Athletes!
From Alma’s relatives, we have received several photographs for the creation of digital copies. Some of them are included in this article. In the 1930s, Alma Lieģe–Lassi worked at the Gustav Ērenpreis bicycle factory and trained passionately in cycling. In her very first competitions in 1929, she won first place in women’s cycling over an… Turpiniet lasīt Alma (Lieģe) Lassi (29.02.1912 – 03.05.1977).
In 1962, Smiltene Sports School coach Jānis Akmentiņš organized the first Smiltene Cup cycling competition, launching a traditional event that continued until 2004 and was revived in 2019. On May 15–16, 1965, Smiltene hosted the third Smiltene Cup cycling competitions, with cyclists participating from Latvia and Estonia. By tradition, on the first day competitors raced… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel – Smiltene Cup Cycling Competition!
As a donation, we have received the personal notes of Jēkabs Vilsons (twelve-time Latvian cycling champion), in which he describes his sporting career over 13 pages, listing race dates, participants, and achieved results. In addition, we have also received photographs taken in the 1930s. A brief summary from J. Vilsons’ notes: Jēkabs began his sporting… Turpiniet lasīt Jēkabs Vilsons (14.10.1913 – 26.12.2007).
As a donation, we have received twenty-three photographs showing the beginning of preparatory works at the future “Senču sila” velodrome on the shore of Lake Baltezers. It is possible that the donated photographs are copies of the original images, taken at a later time (around the 1940s–1950s), as their condition is not the best. To… Turpiniet lasīt Unique donation – the construction of the “Senču sila” velodrome.
In our October 17 article we already mentioned that in 1983, from July 23 to August 5, the 8th Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR took place in Moscow. In the 4 km team pursuit (track), Dainis Grantiņš, Dainis Liepiņš, Martins Palejs and Armands Freimanis won third place. The men’s road cycling events at… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel – The 8th Peoples’ Spartakiad (1983): Road Cycling
The association has received as a donation the cycling archive of press and sports photographer Māris Millers (322 photographs and 1,641 photo negatives). This remarkable gift was handed over to us by Dace Millere (former Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper “Sports” and Māris’s wife) and Māris’s daughter Laura Brencāne. Māris Millers (06.01.1959 – 22.08.2020), being one… Turpiniet lasīt Fantastic Donation – 1,963 Photographs!
In late July 1955 in Riga, the Jubilee Spartakiad took place, featuring sports disciplines such as athletics, swimming, boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics, tennis, basketball, volleyball and, of course, cycling. In total, more than 700 athletes competed in these events. The newsreel shows the men’s cross-country cycling race in Mežaparks over a 30 km distance… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel – 1955 Jubilee Spartakiad
RSB “Latvello” has received as a donation the photographic archive of sports journalist Gatis Ķīsis, which contains not only photographs taken by him personally, but also images primarily published in the periodical “Sports” (from 2006 to 2021 – a magazine). The authors include well-known Latvian photographers such as M. Millers, J. Eiduks, O. Lūsis, J.… Turpiniet lasīt Gift!
In 1983, from July 23 to August 5, the 8th Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR took place in Moscow. At the Moscow Olympic Krylatskoye Velodrome, Dainis Grantiņš, Dainis Liepiņš, Martins Palejs and Armands Freimanis won 3rd place in the 4 km team pursuit, finishing behind the teams from Leningrad and the Russian Federation.… Turpiniet lasīt 1983 8th Spartakiad of the Peoples – Track Cycling
Yesterday, our association received these wonderful photographs from the descendants of A. Apsītis, and we would like to share them with you. Andrejs Apsītis (07.02.1888 – 02.09.1945) was one of the most versatile Latvian cyclists, competing both on the track and in road races. He began cycling in 1908. At the age of twenty, Andrejs… Turpiniet lasīt Andrejs Apsītis(07.02.1888. -02.09.1945.)
Some time ago, members of the RSB “Latvello” visited cycling veteran Faris Kučinskis, who was born in Liepāja and currently lives in Saulkrasti. Faris was actively involved in competitive cycling during the 1950s and 1960s. His sporting achievements are impressive: USSR Champion in tandem racing Four-time silver and one-time bronze medalist Six-time USSR Cup winner… Turpiniet lasīt Faris Kučinskis
We have received interesting photographs taken before 1940, and in the background of several of them the velodrome of the “Marss” sports society can be seen. We have added color to the photographs, as this makes it possible to better see fine details and to feel the atmosphere of the respective era. 📸 Photo Gallery… Turpiniet lasīt Sports Association “Marss” cycling track.
In 1974, from June 15 to June 16, at the “Daugava” Velodrome*, the Riga Film Studio newsreel sports review “Grand Prize” sprint competition was held. The film chronicle shows how, accompanied by a brass band, Latvian cycling veterans entered the track: Alberts Džarcāns, Alma Lassi, Laimrota Kalvāne, Jēkabs Vilsons, Artūrs Pops, Faris Kučinskis, Aivars Išakovs… Turpiniet lasīt Riga Film Studio “Grand Prize” Sprint Competition
A few days ago, we visited former cyclist (veteran) Aija Vismane (Grūbe), who during the 1950s–1960s represented the Riga Wagon Factory (RVR), achieving numerous outstanding victories and championship titles in both road and track cycling. For research and digitization purposes, Aija has entrusted the RSB “Latvello” with her personal photo collection — a total of… Turpiniet lasīt Aija Vismane(Grūbe)
For research and the creation of digital copies (digitisation), we have received photo albums, individual photographs, and an entire box of photo films belonging to Arnolds Spāde (a cyclist and one of the founders of Latvian rugby). So far, we have identified the following athletes in the photographs: Aija Vismane, Laimrota Kalvāne, Anita Emsiņa, Maija… Turpiniet lasīt Arnolds Spāde Archive!
In 2014, within the framework of the Ventspils Library event series “Story Time at the Library”, an event titled “A Conversation about Cycling in Ventspils” took place. All interested participants were invited to share stories and memories about cycling in Ventspils together with cycling coach Viesturs Riekstiņš and cyclist Eģils Kraulērs. During the event, the… Turpiniet lasīt Productive Collaboration!
In 1975, the Grand Prize competition of the Riga Film Studio magazine “Sports Review” was held for track cycling sprinters. The competition featured cyclists from Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Turkmenistan, and Armenia. The races were held in three stages: 06 June – qualifying races at the Liepāja “Dinamo” velodrome; 07–08 June – qualifying races at the… Turpiniet lasīt Newsreel – Three-Track Tournament
Series “Athlete’s Diary” – #4 Outstanding speed skater and cyclist Ārija Cakule, born Birkhāne / Birkāne (01.10.1930 – 20.11.2002) The athlete’s outstanding career is reflected in her achievements and records: 1949 – RECORD – Six Soviet Republics Competition in Speed Skating (Minsk) 1950 – CHAMPION – Track Cycling Championships, Sprint (Senču sils) 1950 – CHAMPION… Turpiniet lasīt Ārija Cakule (Birkhāne/Birkāne) 01.10.1939.-20.11.2002.
Today, for research purposes, we have received valuable photographs from Dainis Grantiņš (World Junior Champion in cycling, member of the USSR second national team, champion in road cycling events, member of the USSR national track team, and winner of many other medals). The photographs feature many outstanding Latvian cyclists, including: Dainis Liepiņš, Gaidis Lapiņš, Andris… Turpiniet lasīt Dainis Grantiņš Collection!
During the Soviet era, when films were being produced, Latvians were often used as extras portraying German army soldiers. This happened for several reasons, the most significant being that the physical appearance of Latvians often matched the Soviet film directors’ image of a German soldier. This photograph was taken in 1960, when Latvian cyclists, who… Turpiniet lasīt Athletes, Who Are Also Actors!
On behalf of the members of RSB “Latvello”, we would like to warmly congratulate Ernest on this wonderful anniversary.
Members of our association visited the family of cyclist Pēteris Džarcāns in Carnikava, meeting his widow Svetlana Džarcāne (a former cyclist). Pēteris Džarcāns was a four-time winner of youth competitions, a member of the USSR national team, and a participant in the Milk Race in England, among other achievements. During the meeting, Svetlana shared memories… Turpiniet lasīt Džarcāni!
Ziedonis Cakuls devoted half of his life to the sport of cycling. The son of a railway depot locomotive driver, he began his sporting career in 1950. He achieved equally high results on the track, on the road, and in cyclo-cross, winning silver and bronze medals several times at All-Union competitions. In 1956, Ziedonis reached… Turpiniet lasīt Ziedonis Cakuls (18.06.1932.-30.09.1968.).
The members of RSB “Latvello” have been joined by an outstanding Latvian cyclist Galina Aleksandrova (born in 1946 in Liepāja). Galina Aleksandrova began her sporting career in the sports society “Daugava”, later also representing the clubs “Dinamo” and “Vārpa”. She became a 31-time Latvian champion and also a multiple-time USSR champion (17 times on the… Turpiniet lasīt Gaļina Aleksandrova
Section “Athlete’s Diary” – #2 Cycling legend Harijs Japiņš (12.12.1930 – 09.01.2021). In brief: Harijs Japiņš won the USSR Track Cycling Championship twice (in 1952 and 1953). In 1951 he earned the title of USSR Master of Sport. From 1950 to 1955, Harijs Japiņš was a member of the USSR national cycling team. He was… Turpiniet lasīt Harijs Japiņš
We recently learned that at least two velodromes – “Spartaks” (before and after known as Marss) and “Senču sils” – were used as filming locations for two feature films. Newspapers from 1941 reported intense activity at the “Spartaks” Sports Society velodrome. The velodrome, heavily worn by time, had been transformed so much that it was… Turpiniet lasīt Latvian Velodromes in Films!
With deep sorrow, we announce that Māra Japiņa (née Federe), an outstanding Latvian athlete and cycling champion, has passed away. Māra Japiņa left a significant mark on the history of Latvian sport, becoming a two-time USSR track cycling champion. Her achievements also include seven silver and three bronze medals won in USSR competitions. Māra Japiņa… Turpiniet lasīt In memoriam – Māra Japiņa (1933–2024)
Today, at the Čiekurkalns / Šreinbuša crossroads (near Rusova Street 9), from 10:00 to 15:00, a Midsummer market is taking place. As part of the event, from 10:30 to 13:30, a cycling orienteering event around Čiekurkalns is being held – a new map with 20 locations that participants must manage to photograph while traveling by… Turpiniet lasīt At the Crossroads of Čiekurkalns
Treasure Chest – or in this case, suitcases! We would like to share historical materials belonging to Ziedonis Cakuls (a legendary Latvian Soviet cyclist) and Ārija Cakule (née Birkhāne – Latvian Soviet record holder and champion in speed skating and cycling), which were entrusted to us for research by their relatives. These suitcases had spent… Turpiniet lasīt Treasure chest!
To provide a brief insight into the project being developed by the RSB “Latvello” team, we have decided to create a new section titled “Athlete’s Diary”. In the world of Latvian cycling there are many untold stories, and unfortunately the number of books written about this sport remains relatively small. Although the names of some… Turpiniet lasīt “Athlete’s Diary”
Section “Athlete’s Diary” – #1 Jānis Deisons – speed skater, cyclist, and holder of numerous records! To provide more comprehensive information about Jānis, this section will feature a detailed overview of his sporting achievements, as well as some of the most interesting photographs, which Jānis himself donated to us a few years ago. In addition,… Turpiniet lasīt Jānis Deisons
Great news! Today, Emīlija Sonka has joined our association. Emīlija Sonka (née Putniņa) is a former Latvian cyclist, born in 1939 in Kuldīga. She represented the USSR in international competitions and became the first athlete of the USSR to win a gold medal at the UCI Road World Championships in 1964, triumphing in the women’s… Turpiniet lasīt Emīlija Sonka
Today, Arkādijs Svece has joined our association. Arkādijs Svece is a distinguished Latvian bicycle mechanic and former cyclist who has made a significant contribution to Latvian sport. Born in 1939 in Rēzekne, he began his cycling career in 1957, training under Ojārs Siliņš and representing the VEF cycling section. Arkādijs is a champion and multiple… Turpiniet lasīt Arkādijs Svece
Edgars Račis Edgars Račis is one of the oldest members of our association, who will turn 95 years old this year. His respectable age is no obstacle for Edgars to ride several dozen kilometres a day on his bicycle. Cycling was his childhood dream, and fatefully, in 1945, at the age of 15, following his… Turpiniet lasīt Edgars Račis
Today we are doubly fortunate! Two new members have joined our Cycling Sports Association “Latvello” 🚵♂️🚵♂️ – Modris Dievkociņš and Ernests Pūce. A few words about them: Modris Dievkociņš 🚲 In an interview a few years ago, Modris said: “I have long been friends with the bicycle. I began my sporting journey in 1956, while… Turpiniet lasīt Ernests Pūce and Modris Dievkociņš
We would like to introduce you to RSB “Latvello” member Imants Stradiņš. Imants Stradiņš – an athlete of the Latvian SSR national team – is one of ten protégés of Pēteris Strods (Honoured Coach of the Latvian SSR), who during his sporting career became a Master of Sports of the Latvian SSR in cycling. Already… Turpiniet lasīt Imants Stradiņš
