24 hours with George Fattas
On the up
Cyprus’ mountain bike champion has had his fair share of tumbles but is aiming for the Olympics
The caf? in Ledra Street is packed with students when George Fattas arrives. As he approaches, his small frame helps him blend into the crowd. He’s wearing jeans and a hooded sports top, he’s 20-years old but strangely enough he doesn’t seem to belong there. He shakes my hand and sits down. All of a sudden, I feel as though I belong among the loud, laid-back students.
George Fattas – Cyprus’ three- time mountain bike champion – was only 15-years-old when he first won the title. “It was in 2001 and I was competing in the cross country category,” he explained, “I could hardly believe it when I won but since then I have never settled for anything but first place.” Although he bagged the title for a second year running, 2004 was not a good year. “I had a car accident and broke my ankle, which cost me a lot. I came second, which I know is good but I would have preferred first.” He has also taken part in the bicycle marathon, which is an off-road track of about 80-100 km. “It takes about four hours minimum to complete.”
It all started when George became fascinated with cyclists at the age of 10. “I kept wondering how they do it. How they can ride for so long without getting tired? After a couple of years, I met a guy who cycled. He told me about a trainer who was trying to put a school team together, so I went and evidently, stayed.” George’s parents had no objections but they were concerned about one thing. “They gave me some trouble when I told them how much a bike cost,” he said, “but now they are so proud of me, I don’t think buying any kind of bicycle would be a problem.”
But a strict schedule is necessary to keep him at the top. “I am up by 8am and sit down to a big breakfast.” As an athlete, George is well aware of the importance of breakfast. “I have cornflakes teamed with milk, toast and marmalade and low fat dairy products,” he says. But no coffee. “I can’t even smell it.” As I slowly drag my cup out of smelling range, George goes on to explain how and why he trains solo. “I fell out with my trainer a while ago, so now I train by myself, based on what I’ve learnt over the years.” From 9am until 3pm, the young champion puts on his helmet, bike gear and heads for the mountains. “I ride for about 150-160 km on an average day. Sometimes I pop into the gym and train there for three or four hours too.”
Apart from being Cyprus champion, George also attends college. He won a scholarship and is currently studying computer science. “Before I head for college at 6pm, I take a nap in the afternoon for a couple of hours.” Unlike others his age, George doesn’t seem to have much fun. “I really don’t mind that I have such a heavy schedule,” he explained, “I don’t even mind that I can’t eat whatever I want. But it’s tough when I can’t go out or stay up late. That does bother me.” By 10pm he’s home, where he enjoys another meal, prepared by his mother and then it’s straight to bed. His personal life might sound a bit monotonous but George experiences a lot of adrenaline moments in the saddle, including a fall at 60 km per hour. “It is a very dangerous sport and I have come very close to being seriously hurt but that’s exactly why we wear helmets. It would be suicide if we didn’t. Once I fell off the bicycle at broke both my arms and legs.”
Even though he is the best in Cyprus, there is still a long way for George to climb. He has already started participating in international events to improve his world ranking. “I know I’m still young but my goal is to train hard enough to get into the Olympic games,” he says, “that’s definitely something I have set my mind on. Being the Cyprus champion is just not enough.”
