GREAT WEATHER, challenging country trails and ideal infrastructure make Cyprus the perfect place for mountain bikers.
Tomorrow, competitive riders from all over the globe will have the opportunity to go for gold on the island
Organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation (which organised the very first MTB World Cup Marathon in 2005) and sponsored by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, this Class 1 International Cross Country MTB Race is called the, “Race Under The Sun”, and is held under the auspices of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).
In its second year, it will take place in Limassol, in the surrounding hills of Yermasogia village, on a 6.1km long course specially designed for the event. The course has been described as a technical one with steep uphills and downhills.
The Cyprus Cup Race begins at 10am, while the main event sets off from the parking lot near the village square at noon.
Cash prizes of approximately 7,000 euros await the winners of the three categories (top 20 men; top 15 women; and top 15 men U-23), while participants will accumulate points which, when combined with points scored at other events, will give them the opportunity to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games next summer.
Top professionals including Swedish racer Fredrik Kessiakoff, Belgian Roel Paulissen and Italian Yader Zoli are among the favourites for the race, with German Karl Platt facing a tough battle to repeat last year’s victory.
The women’s race is shaping up to be a highly contested one. Former world champion, Sabine Spitz from Germany will lead the women’s peloton, along with world medallists Petra Henzi of Switzerland and U-23 racer, Elisabeth Osl.
Like last year, organisers are expecting the field to begin to split on the very first climb.
Savvas Anastasiou of the Cyprus Cycling Federation told the Cyprus Mail that, “90 riders have registered for the race, 60 men and 30 women.” He also urged the public to attend, saying no tickets are required.
According to Anastasiou, preparations are well underway and considerable interest has already been shown.
Extensive infrastructure is in place to serve the many visitors expected and this, coupled with the exceptional all-year climate and relatively short commuting distances, makes Cyprus an ideal destination for athletes of all disciplines – a strength which the Cyprus Tourism Organisation is building upon by promoting a wealth of major sporting events all over the island.
The Race Under The Sun will be broadcast live on LTV
