Tallinn - Estonian taxpayers have been subsidizing the Estonian first lady's love of rollerblading to the tune of nearly 30,000 kroons (2,500 US dollars), it was reported Tuesday.

A report in the Estonian business daily Aripaev said the public money was spent on plane tickets and accommodation for Evelin Ilves, wife of Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, on recent trips during which she took part in rollerblading marathons.

The office of the president confirmed to dpa Deutsche Presse- Agentur that the figures quoted by the press were accurate, but noted that the trips had included "official duties" as well as the freewheeling events.

Mrs Ilves, a glamorous 40-year-old and keen sportswoman, is frequently seen on her rollerblades near the Ilves family home, pursued by rollerblading presidential bodyguards. Her daily routine includes a twenty kilometre circuit.

She participated in two rollerblading events in Germany and one in Switzerland, for which she paid her own entrance fees, the office of the president said. (dpa)