UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo Powered by Volkswagen will take place on March 29th-31st

Cyprus greatest road cycling race returns in the coastal city of Paphos for the eighth consecutive year handing out tickets for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo Powered by Volkswagen is the largest international road cycling race in Cyprus and will takes place on March 29-31 in Paphos Cyprus. The event addresses for passionate amateur and semi-pro riders from all over the world. UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo hands out a large number of places to the UCI Gran Fondo Championships that take place annually on the last weekend of August.

A unique experience

Everyone competing in the Cyprus Gran Fondo by VW will have the opportunity to live a unique experience, enjoying the island’s rare beauty, cycling between the green of nature, and the blue sea. The fact that Cyprus has a wonderful sunny and clear weather during the end of March, is also a factor that attracts many foreign amateur and semi-pro riders to the island.  The ideal race routes, as well as the professional services provided by the organizers are placing UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo Powered by Volkswagen on the top races for passionate amateur and semi-pro riders. This year’s race has been upgraded with new routes, which will be passing through Paphos’ villages and on the coastline, with the riders enjoying the contrast of the blue waters and the green mountains. More feedzones for the riders, and of course the traditional opening and closing ceremony that take place at the medieval Paphos castle at the city’s port.

Foreigners will have the opportunity to view the mesmerizing Paphos beauty and enjoy their stay in some of the nicest and luxury hotels of the city, or choose to stay in villages near Paphos and experience the traditional lifestyle of locals. Registration and accommodation packages are out and the cyclists can choose and purchase their ideal package.

Two categories

The participants of the race, who will fight for a place in the World Championship, will be separated into eight different age groups (19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65+). Every group provides certain winning places for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The riders will be also separated into two different category levels. The Expert category addresses experienced riders, and the Sportive category addresses passionate amateurs.

On the first day of the race, the Expert category includes individual timing in a distance of 28.6km, while the Sportive category participants will be riding 75.5km for the first part of the race. Stage two is 96km long with 1600m of ascent. What makes it interesting are the new sections. The first test for the bike and the athlete comes after 41km on a rough asphalt section at the beginning of the long hill after Kidasi village.

After 50km the route passes through the thrilling cobblestone roads of Vasa Kilaniou. Despite the difficulty, the route rewards the cyclists with its scenic views and beautiful Cyprus nature in the wine villages of Pafos and Limassol as well as the wild landscape in Diarizos Valley.

Stage three is 53km long with 1500m of ascent. This day will give the stronger riders one more chance to qualify for the Gran Fondo World Championships and will challenge the others one more time.

Registrations, packages and more information on www.activatecyprus.com, and on the telephone +35797803070.

Updates and information at www.facebook.com/cyprusgranfondo