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Varvara and Panagiotis take titles at inaugral UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki in Greece

Panagiotis Chionis and Varvara Fasoi took top honors at the inaugural UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki qualifying race on Sunday, delivering commanding performances on the 113-kilometer coastal course.

Varvara and Panagiotis take titles at inaugral UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki in Greece

More than 400 riders from 25 countries contested the event in the seaside resort town on the Gulf of Corinth, with the top 25% in each UCI age and gender category earning automatic qualification to the August 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, Japan.  The event supports grassroots and competitive cycling development in Greece and seeks to provide a high-quality, internationally competitive experience for amateur and veteran riders alike.

Panagiotis Chionis, the 2024 World Deaf Cycling Champion, powered away from the field to finish solo in 2:48:48, crossing the line roughly two minutes ahead of runner-up Exarchopoulos Sotiris (2:50:29). Bertrand Lecoq (2:51:00) and Papageorgiou Alexandros (2:51:02) rounded out the top four as the peloton felt the impact of a fast, selective route that favored aggressive racing and strong time-trial efforts. Chionis’s decisive move and sustained tempo underlined his experience and endurance on a day when weather and coastal winds added tactical complexity.

In the women’s race, 34-year-old Varvara Fasoi left no doubt she was the strongest rider, claiming victory in 2:53:42. The nine-time Greek national champion controlled the race and held a comfortable margin over Stroubouli Danae (3:06:31) and Chatziioannidou Foteini (3:07:03), who took second and third respectively. Fasoi’s win highlights her continued dominance on the national scene and signals strong form ahead of international competition.

In the women’s race, 34-year-old Varvara Fasoi left no doubt she was the strongest rider

Riders who finished within the top 25% of their UCI age/gender categories secured automatic spots for the Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, a destination event scheduled for August 2026. The Loutraki race served both as a competitive showcase and as a key qualification opportunity for age-group athletes targeting the world stage. Organizers reported a diverse field representing 25 nations, reflecting growing interest in Gran Fondo racing in the region and the event’s success in attracting international entrants.

“Our goal was to stage a tough, fair qualifying race that would reward preparation and grit,” said the event director, “Seeing riders from so many countries tackle Loutraki’s coastal course and earn places for Niseko shows the event’s importance to the Gran Fondo calendar and to athletes aiming for world championship competition.”

2025 UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki Women's Podium

1. FASOI VARVARA (PANATHINAIKOS) 02:53:42
2. STROUBOULI DANAE (BEAT CYCLING) 03:06:31
3. CHATZIIOANNIDOU FOTEINI (ALFA CYCLING TEAM) 03:07:03

2025 UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki Men's Podium

1 CHIONIS PANAGIOTIS 02:48:48
2 EXARCHOPOULOS SOTIRIS (Α.Σ. ΑΛΦΑ ΚΑΛΛΙΘΕΑΣ) 02:50:29
3 BERTRAND LECOQ (MOYON VC) 02:51:00

2025 UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki results: https://my.esportevents.gr/results.php?id=20250082

 
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Nov 02 2025 - NEWS: Varvara and Panagiotis take titles at inaugral UCI Gran Fondo Loutraki in Greece
 
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