Swiss athlete boosts Paphos’ image as a training centre

 

A HIGH profile Swiss triathlete is currently training in Paphos and tourism officials are saying her presence will help boost the area’s reputation as a top athletic training destination.

Daniela Ryf, 29, is the 2016 and 2015 Ironman World Champion, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Ryf also represented Switzerland in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics in triathlon, placing 7th and 40th in those competitions.

The head of the Paphos regional board of tourism, Nasos Hadjigeorgiou, said that the athlete’s presence was very important for Paphos, as it highlighted the town’s ability to accommodate such high-profile athletes.

“It is an honour for Paphos to have such athletes here and will help the image of the area internationally,” he said.

According to the tourism board, the Swiss athlete arrived in Paphos on Monday along with well-known coach Brett Sutton and colleague, German triathlete, 26 year old, Carina Brechters, at the invitation of their partner Mokatpot Productions, which is based in Paphos.

They are also supported by the local tourism board, the Paphos nautical club and Paphos municipality.

“I am very happy to be in Paphos. It is on the world map of training destinations for athletes,” said Ryf.

She added that the weather, good accessibility by air and infrastructure were all a big plus.

Ryf will stay in Paphos until Tuesday, following an intensive triathlete training programme until then.

Hadjigeorgiou said that Mokatpot Productions are setting up and operating a number of training camps in Paphos between February and April next year, when dozens of high profile athletes from around the world are expected to arrive to train for upcoming competitions.

“The tourism board will be supportive in any way that we can to assist and enhance the International image of Paphos as a top destination for athletes, sports tourism and sports development,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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