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by Nikoletta Ioannou
Cyprus recently welcomed the world-famous international cyclosportive series – L’Etape by Tour de France – a mass participation cycling event organised by Mokapot Productions in cooperation with A.S.O., owner and operator of the Tour de France.
The inaugural L’Etape Cyprus by Tour de France took place on November 13th 2022.
Over 300 cyclists experienced the opportunity to discover the amazing landscapes and vistas on the island of Cyprus.
The 2022 Route:
Archimandrita, Dora, Malia, Omodos, Kato Platres, Prodromos, Troodos Square,
Pera Pedi, Kilani, Vouni, Pachna, Anogyra, Agios Thomas.
On November 13th 2022 at 7.00am, over 300 cyclists started the challenge from Aphrodite Hills Resort. For its first-ever event on the island, L’Etape Cyprus by Tour de France was a complete success for the riders and all of the crowds who came to cheer and soak-up the atmosphere of the cycling event.
The challenge consisted of 2 race formats: the ‘Race’ (136km) and the ‘Ride’ (62km). The peloton (large pack of cyclists), was mainly composed of international participants who came to discover Cyprus and challenge themselves through the demanding routes of the event.
THE RACES
The route started with a short downhill cycle to reach sea level, before starting the arduous 62km climb to reach the pinnacle of Cyprus – Mount Olympus. The strenuous route offered the cyclists the full plethora of stunning landscapes you can enjoy in Cyprus, including riding through traditional Cypriot villages with the local villagers cheering the cyclists as they passed through – creating a wonderful atmosphere for all!
Participants included many cycling personalities such as the ambassador of the event – John Degenkolb (professional rider at Team DSM and former Tour de France stage winner, 2015 Paris-Roubaix and 2015 Milan-San Remo winner), the retired professional cyclist and former Tour de France stage winner – Illnur Zakarin and the national cycling champion – Andreas Miltiadis.
“First time for me and for L’Etape by Tour de France here in Cyprus!
It was a fabulous experience and great adventure; we started all together with over 300 participants today and everyone had lot of fun.
The route was excellent but also very demanding from the beginning. On the top of the first climb, there were only 30 cyclists left in the front group, then it kept on going up to 2000m climbing. I really enjoyed it, with a great group around me and at the end we sprinted up to the finish line at Aphrodite Hills Resort, with a tough climb to finish this journey. Definitely a great experience and I’m very happy to be here this year and I hope that I will also be here next year!”
John Degenkolb, Professional Cyclist & L’Etape Cyprus Ambassador
The ‘queen’s stage’ of the Race was won by local national champion Andreas Miltiadis. The 26-year-old rider managed to succeed at home after a tough fight with the brothers Aidar and Illnur Zakarin, former professional riders. Andreas reduced the gap in the last climb of the race and finally crossed the line in first position and was full of emotion!
“I’m very happy that L’Etape by Tour de France came to Cyprus.
Everyone enjoyed the course and the perfect weather. I’m super happy to have won this first-ever event in my country and I hope there will be more people next year to enjoy the experience and I also hope to be back in 2023 for the second time!”
Andreas Miltiadis, Winner of L’Etape Cyprus 2022
In the women’s competition, Anna Bicskei (Czech Republic) was the winner, just finishing in front of the British riders – Madison Shaddick and Katherine Potsides.
RESULTS
The Race – 136km
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WOMEN
The Ride – 62km
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WOMEN
L’Etape Cyprus by Tour de France 2023!
Do you want to experience the unique Tour de France atmosphere and challenge yourself with the most difficult route of L’Etape by Tour de France events?
L’Etape Cyprus is the perfect challenge for you! Don’t miss the 2023 event.
