Stage 1 results

1 - Hermenegild Suuma (AABL-Ujredi) 6:23:51
2 - Naozumi Iga (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:06
3 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:09
4 - Galbeyte Egal (MKTkom) +  00:09
5 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:10
6 - Karl Sturmwald (SV Meergesellen) + 00:14
7 - Paul Johnstone (Tolsenn-Lark) + 00:18
8 - Daisaku Fujimoto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:22
9 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 00:29
10 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsen-Lark) + 00:35
11 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:39
12 - Kimmo Peltonen (AABL-Ujredi) + 00:56
13 - Eddie Chevere (Tolsenn-Lark) + 01:20
14 - Kazushi Eto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 01:20
15 - Hans Richter (SV Meergesellen) + 01:20

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General classification

1 - Hermenegild Suuma (AABL-Ujredi) 6:23:51
2 - Naozumi Iga (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:10
3 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:15
4 - Galbeyte Egal (MKTkom) +  00:19
5 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:20
6 - Karl Sturmwald (SV Meergesellen) + 00:24
7 - Paul Johnstone (Tolsenn-Lark) + 00:28
8 - Daisaku Fujimoto (Hachinobu Seisei) + 00:32
9 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 00:39
10 - Abrus McGlathery (Tolsen-Lark) + 00:45

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Points classification

1 - Hermenegild Suuma (AABL-Ujredi) - 30 points
2 - Naozumi Iga (Hachinobu Seisei) - 18 points
3 - Andrew Mason (Phoenix Cycling) - 15 points
4 - Galbeyte Egal (MKTkom) - 12 points
5 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) - 10 points

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Mountain classification

1 - Daniel Longbridge (Phoenix Cycling) - 10 points
2 - Kozo Egashira (Hachinobu Seisei) - 8 points
3 - Asketyll Omdahl (MKTkom) - 6 points
4 - Tariel Kipiani (MTKkom) - 5 points
5 - Naozumi Iga (Hachinobu Seisei) - 4 points

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Youth classification

1 - Galbeyte Egal (MKTkom) 6:24:00
2 - Luke Riley (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:01
3 - Karl Sturmwald (SV Meergesellen) + 00:05
4 - Friedrich Wagner (SV Meergesellen) + 00:20
5 - Timothy Coulter (Phoenix Cycling) + 00:30

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Team classification

1 - Phoenix Cycling 25:12:31
2 - Hachinobu Seisei + 00:50
3 - SV Meergesellen + 01:05
4 - Tolsenn-Lark + 01:15
5 - AABL-Ujredi + 01:18

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Mktvartvelo and Jugland for all categories, if possible.

Asadal (men's and women's).

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The Grand King continues to discuss the details of the Assembly of Notables with the State Council. An unexpected appointment is announced.

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Grand King Wonhyo: Let's go back to the amended draft.

Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. As we said before, about forty-five members will be directly appointed by Your Grand Majesty. It is my understanding that the the Privy Council and the State Council will nominate a considerate number of candidates to help you with that task.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: That's right. Obviously, the nomination is not a requisite, but we have met and have had a number of prominent individuals during our service all these years, so we are prepared to suggest a number of men who are well-known for their loyalty to the Crown.

Royal Secretary: Your Grand Majesty already suggested certain names, of course, but I am certain most of those names may be already mentioned between the candidates.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I would not be surprised, and even I would expect such circumstance, of course.

Grand King Wonhyo: Excellent. It would be still interesting to see if there was any omission in such list.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Grand Majesty. If we mistakenly overlooked such obvious choice, we will be gladly but disappointingly stand corrected.

Grand King Wonhyo: We will see then. You can continue.

Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. The remaining sixty-five members will be equally divided in two groups, half of those for candidates and electors from the eight rank to above, and the other half, for those between the ninth and fourteenth rank, in both cases indirectly elected. I have ordered my ministry to prepare a report for each candidate, in case if it was considered necessary to block any of the candidates.

Grand King Wonhyo: Alright. Let's leave that for the end of the process. That would may give some valuable information.

Deputy Chief State Minister Oh: Yes, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: Is the organization ready?

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I believe so, Your Grand Majesty. It is difficult to say, of course, because such process hasn't even been tried in decades. So the logistics needed to be reorganized. But I trust the efficacy of our state servants, as well as the experience of our Governors. As you know well, there are seven provinces where the process will be absent so that gives us the chance to avoid a bigger challenge, at least this time.

Grand King Wonhyo: I know, Chief State Minister. In any case, if everything goes according to plan, and the experience is successful and fruitful enough, they process can be started in those provinces in six months.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: Of course, Your Grand Majesty.

Third State Minister Hongju: On my part, I have suggested the Privy Council a number of candidates from those provinces who have proven their loyalty in those recent circumstances, for your consideration.

Grand King Wonhyo: It will be interesting to hear about them, in that case. Next time, if the assembly proves their utility and service, of course, they may have their second meeting in better circumstances. At least that's my wish. I feel this problem have existed for too long.

Third State Minister Hongju: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. We will do as much as it is possible.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I hope so as well, Your Grand Majesty. It will not be a easy challenge, however, as we were forced to postpone our operations as consequence of the problems in the northeast and, of course, your unfortunate situation which was luckily only temporarily. For that reason, however, we lost some valuable weeks of preparation.

Grand King Wonhyo: Indeed, I am aware of that. But that problem can not continue permanently. For that reason, I have decided that the Third State Minister should be leading the operations in person, this time. I feel this way he may be able to deliver a positive conclusion to this problem.

Third State Minister Hongju: Your Grand Majesty, you surprise me with such appointment.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: It is certainly unprecedented, Your Grand Majesty, as long as I remember it.

Grand King Wonhyo: There is no doubt that your leadership helped to solve our last crisis faster than one could have expected, or so I was told. I expect you to repeat this success, this time personally. You will be given all resources and assistance you need for this operation.

Third State Minister Hongju: I take that as an order, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: I understand that in cases of absence, it is usually the Chief Minister who temporarily take the tasks and powers in absence. However, in this special case, I propose you are granted special powers to choose a temporary replacement during your absence, to one of your closest associate at your disposal.

Third State Minister Hongju: I will discuss it with my team, Your Grand Majesty.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: I feel that would be even more unprecedented, Your Grand Majesty. But we will try to accommodate to such orders.

Grand King Wonhyo: I am confident you will be able to do so. I am not willing that more tasks would unnecessarily fall under your shoulders.

Chief State Minister Jungjin Um: My shoulders are prepared to serve you and the state in any circumstances, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: I understand this is not an usual appointment. But I am confident that you will be able to organize your departure as soon as this possible. I will be happy to receive you back with similar unprecedented success.

Third State Minister Hongju: Yes, Your Grand Majesty. I can only...give my best for such...new challenge and responsibility.

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Brzdmtsveli Ketevan inaugurated the new campus of the Mziani University in Tsagari, western Mktvartvelo. She was accompanied by Gulisa Paliashvili, the Minister of Education, as well as the mayor of Tsagari and the university leadership. The new campus, named Tsisana I campus after Brzdmtsveli Tsisana, who was the head of state of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo from 1944 and 1967.

The event was attended by 300 people, including employees, former students and guests. The Mziani University was established in 1946 as a Summer high education center, becoming one of the most prestigious of its kind, attracting students and scholars from Mktvartvelo and abroad. The new campus aims to satisfy the increasing demand of students, as well as increasing the infrastructures required to expand the cultural activities spondored by Mziani University. "This university has remained loyal to its values, an independent, ethical and human leadership, since when it was founded", Minister Paliashvili declared.

The President of the Mziani Foundation, Merab Bekauri, thanked the Brzdmtsveli for her presence in his intervention, moments before Brzdmtsveli Ketevan unveiled the commemorative plaque on the main building of the new campus. "We aspire to contribute in both the academic field and society with our open and innovative institution", the Mziani Foundation president, a former professor in the university himself, declared.

"This university has helped to give Tsagari a recognition worldwide for the quality of its education", Brzdmtsveli declared. "The new campus will be a gain for everyone in this country, not merely the future students who will certainly make good use of these new installations and classes", she continued. "The founders of the university can be proud, as they expanded their example and influence through all our nation. Nowadays, our nation is an open as it was the first group of students that the university hosted, with only sixteen students, almost twenty-eight years ago. As everyone in the world were able to recognize during the Azavrelia Mundus Games, in which millions could see with their own eyes, how welcoming and safe our nation is. This spirit, which some have called the "Spirit of Azavrelia", is found through all our nation, and this institution has been proof of that since its founding".

Mziani University is confident that the new campus will contribute to expand a 40% the number of students and courses offered by the university.

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The first cycling stage race of the year arrives on April: the Kinai Grand Tour (Fusan). Deadline to register or changes in the squad will be Friday 12th.

You can check the grand tour thread for information about the planned route for a more balanced squad.

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Two more Mundus Cycling Cup events will be also held later in the month: the EMAC Prize Race and the EMAC Time Trial. Last day for register or changes will be April 25th.

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Teams participating

Hachinobu Seisei (Fusan)
Phoenix Cycling (Achkaerin)
AABL-Ujredi (Mktvartvelo)
MKTkom (Mktvartvelo)
SV Meergesellen (Neu Uburzis)
Tolsenn-Lark (Matthelon)
Jaeyal-Suchul Team (Asadal)
AureaTerra (Ardia)

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Route and stages

Stage	Type stage	Distance
1	Hilly stage	164 km
2	Hilly stage	110 km
3	Team Time Trial	18.2 km
4	Flat stage	192 km
5	Hilly stage	146 km
6	Mountain stage	171 km
7	Mountain stage	167 km

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The main classification, the one by which the winner of the Ashina Grand Tour is determined. It is decided by totalling the time each rider takes on the daily stages. The rider with the lowest overall time at the last stage is the overall winner of the Ashina Grand Tour. The leader of the general classification wears the pink jersey.



The Points classification is a secondary competition, with points being given for high finishes in each stage. The rider with most points overall at the end of the Ashina Grand Tour becomes the overall winner of the Points classification. The leader of the points classification wears a green jersey.


The Mountains classification is won by the rider who has the largest number of climbing points. During stages of the race containing climbs, points are awarded to the first riders to reach the top of each categorized climb, with points available for up to the first 10 riders, depending on the classification of the climb. Climbs are classified according to the steepness and length of that particular hill, with more points available for harder climbs. During the course of the tour, if the race leader is also leading the Mountains classification, the mountain classification jersey will be worn by the next eligible rider in the Mountains standings.



The Youth classification is another secondary competition. It works as the same as the General classification, only that for riders aged 25 or younger. The leader of the youth classification wears a white jersey.



The team classification is a secondary prize given to the best team in the Ashina Grand Tour. The team classification is calculated by adding the times of the three best riders of each team per stage. Only teams that finish the Tour with three or more riders can win the classification.

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Malkhaz Ochkhikidze, Minister of Economic Development, has announced the launching of a "National Development Plan", with an initial cost of 1.6 billion USD, aimed to fund infrastructure projects.

The Plan will be administered and reviewed through an interministerial commission between the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of the Treasury, and the Ministry of the State. "We are hopeful to increase the span of this plan once a national budget is finally passed in the parliament", Ochkhikidze declared.

The minister has declared that one of the aims of the plan would be to reduce the gap between the top and lowest provinces and regions, as well as stimulate economic growth and employment.

Ochkhikidze also confirmed that the new announced spending will not include the Social Housing Project already announced by the Ministry of Housing and Social Policy. "Both plans have some obvious share aims, of course", Ochkhikidze argued, "under a comprehensive national vision, but they will have also some differences in their goals and focus, as it is natural".

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Okros Baghebi Villa, Ktsatskuri


Orivegza Mgaloblishvili arrived to the mountainous style palace. A young woman welcomed him. "Good afternoon, Your Excellency. Madame is awaiting in the Autumn greenhouse. If you don't mind, I will take you there".

"Sure", Orivegza replied. He silently observed the gardens, the architecture of the place, including the solitary tower, as they walked through the stone pavement which led there.

When they arrived, the doors of the Autumn greenhouse were open. Inside, there were stone columns and walls, inside the glass structure, with a large number of flowers and small plants. Finally, they arrived at the center, where there was a wide space, in a circle. There, sat down in a comfortable chair along a metallic table was the host, Ketilshobili Shengelaia, considered the matriarch of the Ertviani clan.

How are you, spokesman?", Shengelaia welcomed him. "I hope you don't mind to receive you here. However, I find this place very comfy, particularly in sunny days at this time of the year, even more than my best hall inside. If one doesn't mind the humidity, of course".

"No, it's fine", Orivegza replied.

"Excellent!", Shengelaia said. "Would you like to drink anything? Maybe a hot and sweet tea? Those are at least my favourite at this hour. Sopho, why wouldn't you bring a selection from this home?".

"Yes, thank you", Orivegza replied. The young woman left, leaving them alone.

"It was pleased when I heard the news about your election", Shengelaia said. "It was disappointed that it didn't result in a real understanding and a better outcome, of course".

"It was not easy", Orivegza replied. "We were willing to make a compromise but the offer of the Conservative Party was not simply realistic. At the end, it came too early. Once it was too late for an agreement for the presidency, we were in a dead end".

"You seem to have a longer path in mind", Shengelaia added. "I was never, of course, interested in politics. It is not clearly my field. However, such failure, or if you prefer, lack of initiative, is already having an effect on all of us".

"It is complicated to reach an agreement against the clock when they, as we can see now", Orivegza continued, "were still doubting as they were pondering what they can obtain in both direction. I was also, of course, under pressure by my own side. It was a new scenario for all of us and therefore it was difficult to predict. I am confident that things will move to our direction, and we will move so the damage can be reduced in the meantime".

"I'm afraid it already started", Shengelaia said with a bitter smile as they were served their team. "I am having the black with berries today", she demanded.

"I will follow then", Orivegza said.

"Still, I found as amusing as offensive that the Rokkenjimans thought they could find my in the ranks of the government than being declared their official enemy", Shengelaia added. "I sm not so confident as yourself. Many share the concern that this could easily spread too quickly and dissolve everything we have build and connect through so many years. But I have to trust your initiative. I am not planning, of course, to be involved personally, that has never been our style, but I can recognize which card we have left".

"I'm glad and honoured to hear that", Orivegza replied. "I did not, of course, expect otherwise. It is better to keep a distance, but it will be helpful that it will be an understanding on what really matters".

"I am hopeful that is the case", Shengelaia said. "Let's hope we are not all wrong".

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Grand King Wonhyo awaints in the Throne Hall in the Heavenly Palace. Along him, there is merely Prince Yun. Two guards bring Choe Yak-yong in, who slowly enters in handcuffs. Choe Yak-yong, a scholar and monk, is rather wearing regular and old clothing. As he enters, lost in his own thoughts, he is forced to kneel and bow, something he does without opposition.

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Choe Yak-yong: Your Grand Majesty, I would not have imagined to have the honour to be here in the present circumstances.

Grand King Wonhyo: It is, indeed, unpleasant the circumstance that causes your visit.

Choe Yak-yong: Excuse me, Your Grand Majesty. Could you free my hands? I understand your concerns, and all those around you, giving the ominous and despicable precedent, but an old man like myself can not be considered as a serious threat, if you allow me such petition.

Grand King Wonhyo: You're right. Proceed as he asked.

Grand Royal Guards: Yes, Your Grand Majesty.

Choe Yak-yong: Thank you, Your Grand Majesty. My body is weak and therefore I can't think clearly as they seem to stop the circulation.

Grand King Wonhyo: It is, of course, a moment in which many here would argue that giving time and space to scholars to think is something that may bring more evil than good.

Choe Yak-yong: I would disagree with that assertion,  Your Grand Majesty. I have always suggested that the source of evil is not found in the mind, but in the passions.

Grand King Wonhyo: I am aware of that. I have not forgotten it. But I wonder if you remember it, of course.

Choe Yak-yong: I am afraid I don't follow you, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: It has been a long time, of course, maybe close to two decades already. I was much younger, of course, but despite my memories are still somehow dizzy these days, I remember clearly those days in Seongji.

Choe Yak-yong: It can't be possible! Excuse me, Your Grand Majesty, I ignored it. I can hardly imagine...

Grand King Wonhyo: Don't worry, my existence was much simple in those days. But let's not to look back in the past.

Choe Yak-yong: I suppose that I should be grateful that the heaven granted me to have distinguished students without my own knowledge.

Grand King Wonhyo: Yes, I did not imagine that I would be sat down here today as well, to be honest. And you were in a better standing back them.

Choe Yak-yong: I would say that my standing did not change since I left these palace, many years ago. Until very recently by such sad events. I apologize for not being able to recognize you, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: Why did not you join the Council of Seven?

Choe Yak-yong: I am not interested in power, Your Grand Majesty. While a ruler must be interested in wisdom, it is not recommendable for a scholar to become a ruler. I left the place as I was not interested to become a stranger or a dissonant voice. Such person can only become an enemy and I did not wish to become one to some of those who I had respected for a long time, even if they chose a wrong path.

Grand King Wonhyo: This, of course, doesn't surprise me and it is what I had imagined. However, I can understand it has not helped your case.

Choe Yak-yong: I am well aware of that, Your Grand Majesty. I understand that it would not be wise to ask Your Grand Majesty to intercede. However, I would ask to consider the circumstances, and these men are hardly men who are involved in worldly affairs, and they reacted poorly under a heavy pressure. A punishment would be unavoidable, of course, but if I would be asked I suggest one that brings order and obedience, not tension or fear. Regarding those who were involved in the execution of such unwise plans, justice should be implemented without mercy.

Grand King Wonhyo: As you said, a punishment is duly when some of the worst crimes are encouraged and carried out. One could argue that those who are involved with the meaning of ideas and morality than those poor subjects who are moved by their passions too often. In any case, it would not be wise for me to be involved personally in the affairs of justice. My duty should be protect justice rather than administering, as much as that is possible. Unless there is some need for correction.

Choe Yak-yong: I understand, Your Grand Majesty. It is a decision that I would advice, if it was humanely possible, of course.

Grand King Wonhyo: For now, my curiosity was satisfied. You can retire.

Choe Yak-yong: I hope you are not wrong, Your Grand Majesty.

Grand King Wonhyo: I hope as well.

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Shoreuli Sakhli Palace, Ktsatskuri


"Your Most High Majesty", Eka Chkhartishvili said as she encountered the Brzdmtsveli in the wide gardens of the palace.

"Eka!", Ketevan exclaimed. "I'm glad to finally see you face to face once again".

"It is always a pleasure", Eka replied. "I had never imagined I'd walk through these garden in such circumstances".

"Neither I did!", Ketevan replied. "Would you like to have anything?", she asked.

"No, thank you", Eka answered. "I come from a business lunch, and I had enough".

"Yes, I imagine you have been busy lately", Ketevan replied.

"Indeed, indeed", Eka replied with a smile. "This whole situation has postponed some of our plans. I hope that, fortunately, it is only an isolated incident".

"It is likely the third time I was most solicited since I move here", Ketevan replied. "As the other times, it was difficult to say where their intentions and hopes were really at".

"Yes, of course", Eka said. "One should judge advice as much as actions. No, I do no think it is wise for you to be involved, even less in this context. Everything is uncertain, and once you do a move, it will be difficult to go back. No, it is better to take a distance".

"I feel that is sincere because that is something you seemed good at", Ketevan replied with a wry expression.

"Maybe", Eka replied with a smile. "I heard your daughters were in Azavrelia".

"Indeed", Ketevan replied. "I'm not glad about it, but I felt they would have a calm that they will not have here, even when they are really left out of all the daily business. And it will be a great chance for them, after all".

"Certainly", Eka replied, "they couldn't complain of the chance you have given then. I heard that Marlena is in charge of the school now. How times passes!".

"Indeed", Ketevan said with a smile, as she looked back in her mind to some decades back. She had just joined as a teacher in my last year there. Even so, she was still something different to the other teachers".

"I imagine it would have been much more amusing to meet her when she was barely experienced, indeed", Eka replied. "Anyway, you can't complain. My father would could only dream about us being there without paying a penny!".

"Come on! It was your mother who paid it", Ketevan replied.

"Indeed, indeed", Eka replied. "But he always took seriously his role".

"As it should be", Ketevan quickly replied. "How is he nowadays?".

"He is fine of course", Eka answered. "He is, of course, a bit spiritless since he retired. I feel he got used to that frenzied lifestyle. But he's healthy enough and it's only a matter of time he gets used to it".

"Glad to hear", Ketevan replied. "Let's continue inside", she added. "I always feel the urge of a tea at this time of the day".

"Excellent", Eka added, nodding and following the Brzdmtsveli.

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Momavali Inc., one of the most prominent polling companies in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, released the first poll after the 2024 legislative election.

According to the survey, if elections were held today, about 52% of voters declared they would vote for the pro-government National Renovation, a considerable increase considering the election was held about twenty days ago.

The Liberal Democratic Party would consolidate as the second most voted political party, although without any significant increase, with an estimation of 23-25% of the vote. Meanwhile, the right-wing Coalition of the True Right would receive 8-11% of the vote, while the Conservative Party is estimated to receive 7-9% of the vote.

Center-left Radical Democratic Party would received 4-5%, while the Moderate Alignment would receive to 3-4%, same estimation that the left-leaning nationalist Social National Party.

Inga Ushkaladze, the national government spokesperson, has declared that the government does not aim to govern with polls in mind but "rather serve the interests of the citizens". However, she indicated that it "could be a warning to that minority insisting that the National Assembly should block any government initiative in the name of the people".

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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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