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Natela Iludidze, the 2023 Mktvartvelo women's National Road Race champion, won her first Mundus Cycling Cup, the prestigious Meridiem Classic, as she defeated favourites Katerina Shvets and Tsuneko Hijikata in the final metres. Juglander Ragna Knudsen finished 4th in a group of seven riders.

"It was a tough day, but as the kilometres passed, I felt somehow better and better", the young Mktvartvelian rider declared. "To be honest, I was not sure if I could be able to make it at the end, as Eter [Dzindzichasvili] and I found ourselves isolated in the last twenty kilometres or so", she continued. "I was not expecting when I follow their wheels that it was going to be the definitive group, to be honest, but I kept concentrated despite such strong and selected group".

"I couldn't believe it even as I crossed the line!", she continued. "I am so happy, it was already a honour to be here with my team. It was quite different than when the Tour of Khelvakheli, of course. Sometimes, expectations are too high but I am convinced that we will be able to repeat this success if we keep working as hard as these last weeks".

After becoming the first rider from Mktvartvelo to win one of the three iconic Ardian classics, she and her teammates will try to continue their luck in the Lacuna Classic.

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The Unitary State of Mktvartvelo is expected to launch a new satellite to space, Prime Minister Brdzeni Kvirkvelia announced, after several reported postponements.

The satellite is expected to outlive the current SUS-SAT satellites. The last model, SUS-SAT-7, failed to reach the orbit seven years ago, as it was lost by falling into ocean due to malfunction 11 minutes and fifty-six seconds after lift-off.

The new satellite has been named as MKTsat will be operated by Mktvartveli Erovnuli Tanamgzavri for communications and security purposes.

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Ormkhrivi Society, the owner of several local and regional newspapers including Abakha Dghes, in Abakha, and Bolo Saati, based in Khashumi, has reached an agreement with Generaluri Media (GM) to establish a new media holding, which has been registered as Mktvartveli Media Group (MMJ).

As a consequence, Mktvartveli Media Group will own 51% of the shares of Abakha Dghes and Bolo Saati in exchange of Ormkhrivi Society being granted 20% of the shares of Mktvartveli Media Group holding. Mktvartveli Media Group will also own a 10% of the shares in Eko, a daily newspaper from Azavrelia, and a 5% of the shares in Channel 9 (Channel 9 is already owned by Ormkhrivoba Ertianoba, a Mutual Insurance Company which is the majority shareholder of Ormkhrivi Society itself). Others investors include Datsva Investment, a defense sector company, which will own another 18% of the shares of Mktvartveli Media Group, and three large independent investors.

The move does not count exactly as a surprise, as both Bolo Saati and Abakha Dghes were reportedly facing important debts and increasing costs. It is unclear, however, how the move will affect the editorial policy of both newspapers, as one of the largest shareholders of Datsva Investment itself is Erovnuli Inprastrukturebi Company, which is owned by the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. A spokesperson of Datsva Investments, however, has assured that their company is a publicly traded company and independent, with the aim to maximize revenues for its shareholders.

It is expected that a representative from Mktvartvelian Media Group will meet with the leadership of both newspapers and their staff to inform them a bout immediate changes, if that was the case.

A representative from Ormkhrivoba Ertianoba has declared that they are "highly satisfied" with the agreement, as they had planned to distance themselves from written media management for some time, in order to focus in their investments in television and industrial sectors. Therefore, he denied any intention of Ormkhrivoba Ertianoba to sell their shares from Channel 9 in the current circumstances.

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	Mukhran Khandztadze
Birth	1977
Clan	Kvani
Title	None
Education	Sighnaki Military Academy, State College for National Security and Foreign Policy
Political affiliation	Undeclared
Roles	Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister
Family	Parents: Zurab Mtserali (1949) and Lali Khandztadze (1951-2017) Spouse(s): Makvala Beradze (1980) Issues: Ramaz Beradze (2007)
Biography	Khandztadze completed her military formation in the Sighnaki Military Academy. He graduated in the State College for National Security and Foreign Policy in 2003, he joined the Directorate of Military Information. He headed an anti-smuggling unit from 2007 to 2011, before leaving the Directorate in 2012. In 2013, he gave courses on military intelligence in the State College for National Security and Foreign Policy. He became visiting scholar in the State College for National Security and Foreign Policy, giving lectures on military history from 2016 to 2019. Khandztadze was appointed advisor to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for State Security in 2023. In early 2024, he was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister.

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Irma Sabaladze, Minister of Housing and Social Policy, has announced a project of social housing that the national government aims to introduce in the coming weeks. The project aims to expand considerably the number of social housing apartments offered by the national government and local authorities.

Sabaladze explained that the her ministry is currently in negotiations with several real estate and banking companies to acquire a number of apartments and buildings. This would be funded with the coming national budget, she explained.  The "Phase One" (1E) of the project also include the construction of between 100,000 to 200,000 apartment units in main urban centers such as Ktsatskuri, Azavrelia, Khashumi, Martvilisi, Sachkhumi, Lagotsminda, where real estate and renting prices have considerably increased in the last decade.

"The aim of these units is to maximize space and minimize costs as much as possible", Salabadze explained. A province-based tender will be established for their construction. It is estimated that those apartments will have a size of around 55-60 m², aimed to one or two tenants per apartment. The cost of those social rents will be variable depending the location, which a first proposed estimation of "40-50% of the median price of a m² in the same metropolitan area", according to the minister.

Salabadze explained that the only starting requisite for these social housing rents will be have earnings below $50,000 (for a single-tenant apartment) and $90,000 (for a two-tenant apartment) per year. Once one person is granted to be "an official tenant", he or she would have the right to continue to be so even if his or her earnings increase way above such maximum earnings, Salabadze explained. "Our aim is to reduce the costs of living without penalizing social mobility, rather the contrary", the minister declared.

Salabadze declared that she is hopeful that the project will go beyond being a mere patch to the housing crisis but eventually become "a sizable reality of the housing market". The projects aims that the "Phase 2" (2E) and "Phase 3" (3E) of the project will further expand the number of social housing apartments, whose execution is planned in three and eight years, respectively.

Critics have argued about the increasing required costs of such projects, while having a negative impact on the economic sectors, for both real estate business and family home-owners. Salabadze, however, has insisted that the project aims to find a balance between "the right to free enterprise and the duty of authorities to improve the living conditions of the society".

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Nateli Baghi, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo


"He has arrived", Lasha Varlamishvili said, as he saw a man crossing the door into the exclusive hall.

"Excuse me if I made you wait more than the necessary", Mukhran Khandztadze said as he reached their table.

"Not at all", Assem Dilrabat replied. "We understand you are a busy man, even more these days". Khandztadze had gained a reputation of being quite close to the Prime Minister, despite his only official role these days was being an advisor to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for State Security.

"I shall congratulate you for your appointment in the Commission on Foreign Affairs and Trade", Mukhran said. "It is not bad for a first timer. However, given the circumstances, I feel you are going to be very busy", he said with an amused tone, quite unusual coming from him.

"Thank you", Assem replied. "Indeed, indeed. I will do my best. This came maybe too soon. But we will find a calmer time in a matter of days".

"The situation is going to have a negative impact on some our plans",  Lasha added. "It was not well received in some of our close associates in Tikhis Samezoblo".

"It is expected", Mukhran replied. "It is not a coincidence that Shengelaia and the Gunia Holding were targeted, despite the Shengelaia Fund is known for not being directly involved in active business and trade activities abroad. It seems they have better information about our nation that we expected. Fortunately, it will play at our favour that they showed their intentions so clearly at the beginning".

"So such sudden reaction, all those absurd tirades are just a cynical play?", Assem asked.

"A reaction was expected", Mukhran answered, "but that it went out of proportion at this time, it showed  that the origin was not in this case in particular, but it was caused in some more distant shores. It is an unpleasant affair, that the Prime Minister understands that it needs to play out in a long distance, without precipitation, and this will be understood in Tikhis Samezoblo as well. In any case, let's discuss more important affairs".

"Of course", Lasha replied. "I have already an investor ready, maybe too. Ormkhrivoba wanted for long to leave down some weight, given that Bolo Saati and Abakha Dghes have struggled to stop their financial bleeding for a time. They are willing to retain their influence under a new business leadership. The project satisfies them, even more when state lotteries contract needs to be renewed in the coming months. If negotiations with Eko were successful, that would mean surpass the one million readership, and that is before expanding nationwide".

"That may be the case", Mukhran said, "but the costs would increase exponentially too. Paper is not bad, but the Prime Minister is concerned more about the television. It is there where we are in a worse position".

"They seem to insist to keep both investments separate, radiotelevision and written media", Lasha replied. "Ultimately, anyway, we have the winning hand. They are willing to change their tune at least, which should be good enough. And well, Gamdzleoba keeps growing".

"It is our concern from where is really growing", Assem added. "As Levan [Mikaberidze] says", Iashvili is an old shark, and he aims in four direction even when he is marching the direction you chose".

"Yes, I am aware of his reputation and I always disliked these debates. However, we should be glad if he has the will to be useful. The extra resources will be always there", Mukhran replied. "But we need to use them only as last resource. It is going to be better to have someone independent who is willing to march at the pace and direction that the nation needs. That way, we will force to fight this battle in the name of freedom of information, after tall".

"I'll try my best", Lasha added, "but it will still take some time. We need to avoid any mistakes and the insurers do not enjoy any information being leaked".

"There is no need to that be the case", Mukhran said. "At least I hope they will be changing their tune before all is ready and done. And now, with your permission, I need something to drink after such a long day".

---

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Inga Ushkaladze, the national government spokesperson, addressed the latest controversy regarding Abstergo Industries and the government of Rokkenjima. "We are, of course, surprised about the unbustantiated claims, particularly from Abstergo Industries, which undoubtedly should have known better".

The national government spokesperson assured that the case in which Abstergo Industries was involved was clear and transparent, in accordance with the law. "The regulatory authorities, as the national government, have no options but to apply the existing regulations and legislation", Ushkaladze argued. "The rule of law does not know any kind of exception, particularly in the defense of the interests of consumers and citizens, independently how powerful are those who have failed to meet the standards of the law".

"Our institutions and courts can not chose to ignore regulations and laws", Ushkaladze continued, "and we are convinced that issuing threats and ultimatums are not a proper way to conduct diplomacy between two sovereign states. Our national government aims to build constructive diplomatic relations with any foreign government, including the First Empire of Rokkenjima, and therefore we hope that the Rokkenjima government would reconsider their aim to threaten companies based in Mktvartvelo with no serious legal basis".

"Abstergo Industries", she added, "as any private entity, has the right to defend their interests on the courts. However, the judiciary is independent so political threats as well as attempts to damage third parties, will always be a futile legal strategy in our view".

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The Official Press Office of the Great Kingdom of Asadal announces the full recovery of His Grand Majesty Grand King Wonhyo, who will restart his agenda with an address to the State Council later this week.

His Grand Majesty Grand King Wonhyo offers his gratitude to all subjects who have expressed their loyalty through their prayers and messages of solidarity.

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A Database/Ranking of Riders in the current season has been added.

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The month of March will have the folllowing Mundus Cycling Cup events:

Meridiem Classic, Ardia - March 13
Lacuna Classic, Ardia - March 17
Albrektberg Classic, Jugland - March 24
St. James Classic, Achkaerin - March 31

To register/introduce changes in your squad for each of these cycling races, you have until 2 days before each event.

1 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsenn-Lark) 6:23:51
2 - Eddie Chevere (Tolsenn-Lark) + 00:00
3 - Hakaru Akiyama (Hachinobu Suisei) + 00:00
4 - Hans Richter (SV Meergesellen) + 00:01
5 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:39
6 - Daniel Longbridge (Phoenix Cycling) + 01:26
7 - Germund Strand (AABL-Ujredi) + 01:44
8 - Kalevi Tammivaara (MKTkom) + 02:04
9 - Walden Gjeldnes (AABL-Ujredi) + 02:18
10 - Karl Sturmwald (SV Meergesellen) + 02:27
11 - Heinrich Müller (SV Meergesellen) + 02:28
12 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 02:29
13 - Kang Young-chul (Jaeyal-Suchul Team) + 02:33
14 - Daisaku Fujimoto (Hachinobu Suisei) + 03:02
15 - Gnaeus Nerva (AureaTerra) + 03:27
16 - Stephen Ular (Tolsenn-Lark) + 09:13
17 - Lars Aaltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 09:57
18 - Kim Hyung-min (Jaeyal-Suchul Team) + 10:06
19 - Klaus Becker (SV Meergesellen) + 10:15
20 - Vespasianus Nissus (AureaTerra) + 11:05

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1 - Misato Futagawa (Higanbana) 3:32:38
2 - Katerina Shvets (Pelagiya-Semelberg) + 00:00
3 - Darja Pasternak (Pelagiya-Semelberg) + 00:00
4 - Tirelle Quaite (Westbay) + 00:00
5 - Sammy Lawson (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:00
6 - Ingrid Hügel (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:00
7 - Eter Dzindzichasvili (MKTkom) + 00:01
8 - Sanae Osumi (Higanbana) + 00:02
9 - Hadewynda Salonen (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:04
10 - Praskoyya Mikhailov (Pelagiya-Semelberg) + 00:04
11 - Greta Reinhardt (AureaTerra) + 00:10
12 - Seo Hye-mi (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:12
13  - Elsa Schwarzbach (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:12
14 - Eveliina Makela (MKTkom) + 00:13
15 - Maria Cairns (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:13
16 - Chihaya Lei (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:17
17 - Mzia Chikadze (MKTkom) + 00:17
18 - Fryda Andersen (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:18
19 - Thora Bjerkness (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:20
20 - Inga Sigua (MKTkom) + 00:23

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Men's Mundus Cycling Cup - Individual classification

1 - Eddie Chevere (Tolsenn-Lark) - 43 points
2 - Hakaru Akiyama (Hachinobu Suisei) - 27 points
3 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsenn-Lark) - 26 points
4 - Heinrich Müller (SV Meersegellen) - 19 points
5 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) - 15 points
6 - Hans Richter (SV Meergesellen) - 13 points
7 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) - 10 points
8 - Kang Young-chul (Jaeyal-Suchul Team) - 9 points
9 - Kalevi Tammivaara (MKTkom) - 6 points
10 - Lars Aaltonen (AABL-Ujredi) - 5 points


Men's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Tolsenn-Lark - 70 points
2 - SV Meergesellen - 35 points
3 - Hachinobu Seisei - 30 points
4 - Phoenix Cycling - 30 points
5 - AABL-Ujredi - 15 points


Women's Mundus Cycling Cup - Individual classification

1 - Tsuneko Hijikata (Higanbana) - 25 points
2 - Misato Futagawa (Higanbana) - 25 points
3 - Tirelle Quaite (Westbay) - 24 points
4 - Hadewynda Salonen (Kommuna Ladies) - 20 points
5 - Katerina Shvets (Pelagiya-Semelberg) - 18 points
6 - Maria Cairns (Phoenix  Cycling) - 16 points
7 - Darja Pasternak (Pelagiya-Semelberg) - 15 points
8 - Ingrid Hügel (Gamsbärte 1890) - 10 points
9 - Elsa Schwarzbach (Gamsbärte 1890) - 9 points
10 - Sammy Lawson (Phoenix Cycling) - 8 points


Women's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Higanbana - 53 points
2 - Pelagiya-Semelberg - 39 points
3 - Westbay - 26 points
4 - Kommuna Ladies - 24 points
5 - Phoenix Cycling - 24 points

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Millions of Mktvartvelians will celebrate today Saqurebsi festivity, one of the most important religious holidays in the Order of Simartlea.

The Saqurebsi festivity, held the last day of the Surtsqunisi month, is consecrated to the souls of the women of your family (deceased mothers and other female ancestors) who are believed to watch over their descendants from the Underworld. Besides rites and offerings in temples and shrines of the Order of Simartlea, relatives and couples gather around bonfires or candles.

This year, Brzdmtsveli Ketevan is said to be expected to attend a more private gathering to celebrate the festivity in the Mtsvanegoraki Forest, nearby the Shoreuli Sakhli Palace in Ktsatskuri, capital city of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo.

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Voters in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo will vote in legislative election tomorrow, in order to elect 120 seats in the National Assembly and 13 representatives in the Council of State. It will be the first legislative election since electoral and parliamentary restrictions were removed following a legislative reform.

While the National Assembly does not directly elect the national government, the result is expected to decide if Prime Minister Brdzeni Kvirkvelia will remain in power. While Kvirkvelia is not running himself to the parliament, he has been endorsed by left-leaning nationalist National Renovation (MKTERAG), which will include two former ministers of his administration. Support for the nationalist coalition increased after Kvirkvelia appeared in a National Renovation electoral rally in support for Otar Pkhakadze, an independent candidate endorsed for the organization. Currently, against all prospects, National Renovation is predicted to have a vote around 37.1% according to the survey.

The Liberal Democratic Party, a political party established by the leading members of the Liberal faction in the National Assembly, is posed to obtain 24-29% of the vote, despite to run to election without a declared candidate to Prime Minister. They expect to become the largest parliamentary group of the National Assembly, well positioned in case Kvirkvelia's government will not continue following the election.

Most of the prominent and experienced members of the Conservative block in the National Assembly have gathered around the Conservative Party, which has gained the support of such figures as former Prime Minister Gela Berdzenishvili, and server former ministers who served in the national government in the last two decades. However, the Conservative Party has failed to gain ground in the polls, as it is expected to  fall toward  6-9% of the vote. It is the so-called Coalition of the True Right (MMK), established by another prominent MP from the Conservative block, Irakli Bneladze, which most conservative voters are willing to vote, up to 12-14% of the vote. Still, the Conservative Party is expected to remain the second largest parliamentary group as more than one hundred MPs have declared their allegiance to the party.

Center-left Radical Democratic Party and the left-wing nationalist Social National Party, along the traditionalist Heritage coalition have experienced a raise in the poll during the last week. However, it is difficult to predict if they will be able to obtain an important number of seats against either National Renovation or the traditional parties. On  the other hand, the Moderate Alliance, formed by prominent members of the Moderate block of the National Assembly, finds itself in the opposite situation, as they are expected to obtain a 4-6% of the vote and lose about fifteen MPs.

Prime Minister Brdzeni Kvirkvelia has reportedly visited his family during the holidays and he is expected to remain in Azavrelia during the election day.

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Queen Hong awaits in her main chamber in the Inner Court.

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Queen Hong: If you interrupt me at this time, I am guessing you're bringing some news.

Lady Officer Ko: Indeed, Your Royal Highness. I bring unexpected news.

Queen Hong: So?

Lady Officer Ko: I was informed from one of the Noble Consort Lady's palace ladies that His Grand Majesty just awoke.

Queen Hong: Are you seriously? When it happened and why wasn't I informed?

Lady Officer Ko: I can't say, Your Royal Highness. I came as soon as I obtained the information.

Queen Hong: I wonder how it reached the information to the Outer Court so fast.

Lady Officer Ko: Your Royal Highness, I assume it is because Her Highness visits His Grand Majesty every morning and afternoon.

Queen Hong: Yes, you are right. I remember now.

Lady Officer Ko: It looks like someone just arrived, Your Royal Highness.
   
Lady Officer Kim: Excuse me, Your Royal Highness. Doctor Soon arrived. Should I tell her to wait...?

Queen Hong: No, tell her to enter immediately.

Lady Officer Kim: Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Doctor Soon: Good evening, Your Royal Highness.

Queen Hong: What brings you here? Do you bring good news, maybe?

Doctor Soon: You're right, Your Royal Highness. I hope it will prove that will be the case, at least. His Grand Majesty has finally recovered his consciousness, and his recovery has earlier signs to be permanent, even if some symptoms may continue. Excuse me If I did not arrive earlier, Your Royal Highness, but we had to check and test that everything was in order.

Queen Hong: How so? Anyway, which symptoms?

Doctor Soon: We acted carefully as I wanted to avoid signs of a limited recovery. Mostly headaches and fatigue, as it is natural after such a traumatic injury. But I can say that I am optimistic, as His Grand Majesty's sight, speech, understanding, as well as the motor and sensory capabilities seems to work more than properly. While he does not seem to remember what happened before the incident, that is normal, as his memory operates quite

Queen Hong: That sounds...good. Are you saying he will leave his room soon?

Doctor Soon: It's difficult to say, Your Royal Highness. While everything seems to be in order, I have detected an inflammation of the nerves through the scan. This could be a temporary reaction due to the shock. An expert from Gyeongseon National University Hospital is expected to arrive to  Hwangjin, to assist me on that issue. However, these days His Grand Majesty will remain under observation until a medical conclusion is reached. But I can say he, even if tired, seems to react properly to environment and stimulus. I am confident we're in the right track.

Queen Hong: That's excellent. Thank you for your hard work.  I wouldn't like to waste your time and efforts and this moment, doctor. Keep me informed if there is a sudden change as soon as possible.

Doctor Soon: Of course, Your Royal Highness.

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1 - Eddie Chevere (Tolsenn-Lark) 6:23:52
2 - Heinrich Müller (SV Meergesellen) + 00:00
3 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:00
4 - Hakaru Akiyama (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:08
5 - Kang Young-chul (Jaeyal-Suchul Team) + 00:33
6 - Lars Aaltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 00:42
7 - Kimmo Peltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 00:56
8 - Kalevi Tammivaara (MKTkom) + 01:09
9 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) + 01:16
10 - Kazushi Eto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 01:27
11 - Hans Richter (SV Meergesellen) + 02:26
12 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsenn-Lark) + 02:28
13 - Paul Johnstone (Tolsenn-Lark) + 02:31
14 - Ramaz Gamkrelidze (MKTkom) + 02:32
15 - Vespasianus Nessus (AureaTerra) + 05:40
16 - Graham Donnelly (Tolsenn-Lark) + 10:42
17 -  Yvan Traverse (AureaTerra) + 10:42
18 - Daisaku Fujimoto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 11:01
19 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 11:14
20 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) + 11:26

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1 - Tsuneko Hijikata (Higanbana) 3:32:27
2 - Hadewynda Salonen (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:00
3 - Maria Cairns (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:00
4 - Tirelle Quaite (Westbay) + 00:00
5 - Elsa Schwarzbach (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:00
6 - Ingrid Hügel (Gamsbärte 1890) + 00:00
7 - Praskoyya Mikhailov (Pelagiya-Semelberg) + 00:04
8 - Eter Dzindzichasvili (MKTkom) + 00:15
9 - Lenza Sverdrup (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:15
10 - Silamaze Kinkladze (MKTkom) + 00:24
11 - Greta Reinhardt (AureaTerra) + 00:33
12 - Natela Iludidze (MKTkom) + 00:38
13 - Katherine Leglene (Westbay) + 00:38
14 - Auraine Tilligaw (Westbay) + 00:38
15 - Thora Bjerkness (Kommuna Ladies) + 00:39
16 - Emma Asserssen (MKTkom) + 00:40
17 - Lucretia Cardea (AureaTerra) + 00:40
18 - Niamh Fernley (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:58
19 - Mzia Chikadze (MKTkom) + 00:59
20 - Chihaya Lei (Phoenix Cycling) + 01:07

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Men's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Tolsenn-Lark - 27 points
2 - SV Meergesellen - 19 points
3 - Phoenix Cycling - 17 points
4 - Hachinobu Seisei - 14 points
5 - AABL-Ujredi - 9 points


Women's Mundus Cycling Cup - Team classification

1 - Higanbana - 25 points
2 - Kommuna Ladies - 21 points
3 - Phoenix Cycling - 15 points
4 - Westbay - 14 points
5 - Gamsbärte 1890 - 13 points

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In the Inner Palace, Queen Hong receives the State Council.

Meanwhile, nearby one of the main gates of the Outer Palace, Prince Yun talks with Commander Lee, leading officer from the Grand Royal Guards.

---

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: Weakness brings violence, not the other around. By withdrawing so early and interrupting their small mission, our forces caused a larger failure.

Third State Minister Hongju: The order was clear, I can't understand why it couldn't be carried out well and quickly.

Captain Woo: With all my respects, Your Excellency Third State Minister and Your Excellency Deputy Chief Minister, our men could not have planned such large resistance and they had no other options without risking seriously their own lives and the security of the area. It was not our knowledge that the monks had such networks in the area.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Is that confirmed?

Captain Woo: I can't say for certain. As it is not my role. But it would have been difficult to mobilize the province so quickly without such organization.

Queen Hong: It's alright. Finding the cause wouldn't be very useful, isn't it? We need a solution.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Royal Highness. My only lamentation is that by seizing Mujanghanseong so quickly, they had the means to create so much havoc quickly.

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: What information do you possess about their organization at that point?

Captain Woo: I am certain that they were already organized then. A survivor recalled that every officer was immediately murdered. After torturing some soldiers, one confessed that they were several Deo Keun caste recluits, and soldiers started to be slaughtered until finally someone decided to inform about the identity.

Third State Minister Hongju: That's not a coincidence! Their connection with Tteooleuneundal is obvious! Their aim is not random, but very clear: their criminality had a treasonous nature since the beginning. Such movement aims to destroy the state and the Crown as a whole.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Even if that wasn't the case, they must be destroyed.

Deputy Chief Minister Oh: It mostly surprises me how they were able to expand so quickly.

Captain Woo: Your Excellencies, I should point out that their propaganda is very different...having the audacity and sin of blaming Your Royal Highness...That's probably, besides fear, that they were able to gain support between the population.

Queen Hong: I see, I see. They may not be the lunatics they were portrayed earlier. What's their force, exactly?

Captain Woo: It's difficult to say. Soldiers who were captured or surrendered were given the option to convert and join their ranks. Therefore, Your Royal Highness, it is difficult to determine their number. They were about 1,500 men after seizing the headquarters in Bugjjog. But it is likely that their number doubled since then. They could reach  Hanauisan and Galsaeghosu counties in the coming days.

Queen Hong: That doesn't sound such a huge number.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um:  The main issue is the terrain, Your Royal Highness. For the moment, it is only operative to transport our troops by air. For that reason, I suggest that our efforts should be focused in the Royal Corps and the Grand Royal Guard. It's not a problem of facing a great enemy, but acting quickly and decisively.

Queen Hong: Are we in agreement?

Third State Minister Hongju: I can not say otherwise, Your Royal Highness.

Queen Hong: Proceed, then.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Yes, Your Royal Highness.

* * *

Commander Lee: Is that necessary?

Prince Yun: The order was given. Hell may be open but we need to fulfill our duty once again.

Commander Lee: You're required here more than ever.  I do not fear what you may face there, but what it could happen here. In these times, our duty is to protect the Crown first.

Prince Yun: Our duty is to protect the Great King. I will not serve the banner of others.

Commander Lee: For that reason, you should stay. A wrong move, and the life of His Grand King may be in danger. The Royal Corps were ordered to serve in defense of the state and they will be. Allow me to lead them, Your Highness.

Prince Yun: A bad omen must have seized you.

Commander Lee: I do not doubt about the loyalty of our men, but they will only be able to face the last hour without a doubt under your leadership. And your hands should not be covered by blood in times like these. I will obey your order but I ask you to consider my advice.

Prince Yun: We haven't much time...Announce our men the news, and new orders will be confirmed to  you.

Commander Lee: Yes, Your Highness.

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In a repeat of the last season Brzdmtsveli Cup final, FC Azavrelia defeated their archenemies Mezgvauri Azavrelia by 1-0 to proclaim champions of the domestic cup, in the first title since the establishment of the Mktvartvelian Premier League.

Mezgvauri Azavrelia came as the favourite, despite losing the league title last week to defend their title in the last match of the season. However, as last week, their attackers proved unable to pierce their rivals' defense. A goal scored by midfielder Shalva Khakhetishvili in the last minute of the first half gave FC Azavrelia an advantage that they did not allow to be taken away.

The match was heated and tense, with more than fourteen players of either team seeing a yellow card through the match. However, despite their control of the ball during most of the second half, Mezgavauri Azavrelia proved unable to generate enough clear chances against the opposite defense, resulting in the intense but thrilling final.

"Both teams showed a great performance, fans of both teams should be proud of the effort of their players", Zhuldyz Birinseli, Vice-Chairman of the Mktvartvelo Professional Premier League as well as owner of FC Azavrelia, declared. "I am, of course, very happy about this trophy which for many of our fans and younger players can only be a dream, even if the first one of many more to come, becoming true".

After the referee whistled the end of the match, celebrations erupted both in Ktsatskuri, where the final was held, and Azavrelia, as well some violent altercations between fans of both sides even if without serious consequences.

The season could not end better for FC Azavrelia after another disappointing season in the league, where they finished sixth about twenty points behind the league champions and runners-up. On the opposite side, Mezgavauri Azavrelia, after winning both league and cup last season, started the season as the main favourites but which now ended trophyless.

"We failed in those few moments which mattered the most", player Eldar Akhvlediani declared. "It is not a reason for radical changes or lose our mind, of  course, but we should learn a lesson to avoid the same mistakes next season. We are committed with the club and fans, and we will try to bring happiness to them soon enough".

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"Your father opted for a wise policy and philosophy even if some details are not too convenient for your visit, Prince", Queen Hong replied. "We do not ignore those arrangements but I'm confident we have room for a positive cooperation for our nations. Hasn't the State Council preparing for possible arrangements, Chief State Minister?".

"Absolutely, Your Royal Highness", Chief State Minister Jungjin Um replied. "We would propose a participation of your state so you would get a proportion of the revenue obtained from exports of oil and gas extracted from our oil which crosses your nation, even when it is not for your own consumption but of third parties. I am certain that the percentage of that participation could be enough for covering the costs of the construction, security, and maintenance of those infrastructures and add to a revenue to your government or participating corporation".

"I hope that is a proposal you find interesting to build an agreement from that, Prince", Queen Hong declared. "On matters of security, that would be enough. We are not a nation with many enemies, but we are willing to strengthen our states against criminal schemes from inner and outside. On that aim, I propose establishing a treaty of extradition on that goal between our nations".