Cyprus Cycle Challenge 2010

At around 5.30pm local time on 24 April 2010 the active phase of Cyprus Cycle Challenge 2010 came to an end.  The final rider crossed the finish line to rounds of applause.  Months of planning and training, and four successive days of riding, had seen all riders complete the 540Km course gaining over 5000m in height in the process.

Their were trials and tribulations along the way with minor administrative problems being overcome.  Slight geographical deviations saw one rider add 10Km onto an already difficult day.  There were three reported punctures - two of which were experienced by the author who experienced further problems whilst trying to repair them.  One rider lost his rear derailleur on the approach to the climb and had to hop across onto a spare bike for his ascent on the summit.

The leading riders completed the climb in a very impressive four hours; 80Km and over 2000m of ascent in that time is something to be proud of at this level.

After all riders were home, massaged and showered it was time for the formalities of the faux-presentation - the presentation pieces were actually still in the UK following the disruption caused by Icelandic volcanic eruption.  A few celebratory drinks and a barbecue followed before the team retired for a well-earned rest.

Many congratulations to all of the team and many thanks to the support crew who assisted the riders throughout the Challenge.

Now for the post-event administration and the rounding up of donations to be split between the nominated charities. 

Happy riding and maybe, just maybe, there will be an encore next year.

After departing from the overnight stop of Episkopi the team descended immediately into Happy Valley, climbing immediately out again and on towards Pissouri.  Further climbs led to the first stop of the day at the picturesque Aphrodites Rock.

After a water stop and photo opportunity it was on to Paphos and the Tomb of the Kings for lunch.

The meat of the day was still to come with the long ascent up to Droushia Heights and then back down to Polis for a well earned rest, massage and dinner for the team before the exertion of the ascent of Mount Troodo tomorrow.

See you all at the top.

The team left Episkopi at 8am today and headed through Happy Valley, Pissouri and reached Aphrodities Rock at around 9.30. 

Apart from a few sore spots everyone is in high spirits and enjoying the ride.

11.10 and the team have made it through Paphos to the Tomb of the Kings and have stopped for lunch and to get ready for the next section (which has a few climbs) onto Polis.

Everyone is still smiling

After a steady start to the day the team rode from Ayios Nikolaos through the local villages and on to the first stop of the day at CESSAC, Dhekelia.  After refreshments and a photo opportunity by the sea it was on towards Larnaka.

The first puncture of the day was as timely as it could be and occurred close to the scheduled CyPol meeting point.  After reparation the team moved on without the police escort as they failed to show up.

A gentle ride through the town and along the promenade was followed by a journey past the Salt Lake and on towards Kiti.  The first 'free-for-all' of the day followed shortly with a mass break towards the Camel Park at Mazatos and another scheduled stop.  The heavens opened on the run from Kiti so the stop was well received and allowed individuals to dry off, particularly one rider who had experience three punctures on this stretch.

Next it was on to Zygi and a unscheduled lunch break - the extra long stop at Mazatos had put the team behind and riders were beginning to need nourishment. 

Fully fed another period of heavy rain accompanied the team on the ride to Limassol.  There was another opportunity for riders to stretch their legs as everyone was given free reign to ride at their own pace up to the 'original' lunch stop on the outskirts of Limassol.

After transiting it was onwards to Episkopi and the finish of Day 2.  The first real crash of the Challenge occurred on the ride through the plantations around Fassouri with Paul Maxwell taking a real tumble, fortunately escaping with a bruised ego and grazing to the arms and legs.

The final ride passed Curium and the climb up to Episkopi led to the field being stretched, however, everyone reached the finish at their own pace and Day 2 was complete. 

Over half the distance has now been completed but the hard work is yet to come.  Another full days riding to come tomorrow with a number of significant climbs en route to Paphos, on to Droushia Heights and the final destination of Polis.

Good luck to the team.

Everyone left Ayios Nikolaos at 7.30 this morning without any problems and arrived at Cessac (Dhekelia) safely.

After this stop, it has been eventfull.  There has been rain, thunder and hailstones, along with a couple of punctures.  Even after all of this everyone's still laughing and in high spirits.

After the meet and greet and necessary administration last night the riders began getting to know one another and eagerly awaited the sunrise this morning.  After restless nights for a number of the team we fed and prepared ourselves ready for the moment we have all been waiting and training for.

07.32am and the first descent of the day down the hill from our accommodation and Troodos and out onto the roads of Cyprus.  Everyone is itching to get away and after a steady ride into Troodos Square the team made their way at various speeds down the mountain on the first leg of the day.  The first 40Km was mainly downhill although there were a couple of steady climbs - the distance completed in around an hour.  After the freshness of the temperature at the top of the mountain things heated up rapidly as we got further down the mountain and the sun continued to rise.  An impromptu stop at the side of the ride meant layers could be shed and the riders could cool down. 

After a short stop a few Kilometres later we continued towards Nicosia under the escort of the Cypriot police (CyPol).  A journey through the UN buffer zone followed and before long we were picking up another CyPol escort for the journey through Nicosia city centre.  After minor geographical issues (we weren't actually lost) we left the city and continued on to our lunch stop, a cafe around 10Km south of the Cypriot capital - 91Km down and a well-earned lunch break.

A number of bacon and halloumi sandwiches later (apparently that's what pro-cyclists eat) the team climbed back aboard their trusty steeds and headed for Larnaka through typical Cypriot villages.  The route allowed the group to spread a little and everyone was able to push on at their own pace for a few Km.  After regrouping just outside Kalo Chorio we picked up the third CyPol escort of the day who happily led us through red lights and on to Dhekelia.

Earlier warnings of heavy rain and thunder storms materialised as we rode around Dhekelia.  After regrouping to take on more water and wet weather gear, the riders were unleashed for the final 20Km of the day and the ride up to Ayios Nikolaos and the days finish.  A free-for-all was declared allowing everyone to again stretch their legs before regrouping for the short ride to the finish to cheers from the small crowd of family members that had come out to see us home.

Bikes stowed away, bags reclaimed and massages booked, the team headed for their accommodation to replenish fuel reserves and prepare for Day 2 - approximately 135Km to Episkopi.  Here's hoping the weather is a little kinder.

Well done to everyone for today and good luck for tomorrows ride.

A number of photographs from todays ride are now in the 'Photos' section.

0853hrs - After doing 43k down Troodos Mountain we all stop for a well deserved water break.  Touch wood, there haven't been any problems, so now we head off for Nicosia.

1206hrs - We have made it through Nicosia with a slight detour and stopped for lunch. 

1338hrs - We have made it to the edge of Larnaca and awaiting the arrival of the police escort.  We have been told that it is raining at Ay Nik, so fingers crossed it will have stopped by the time we get back.  Next stop Dhekelia.

7:35 - we are away and everyone has got off to a good start.

Well we're almost there.  Tomorrow the Cyprus Cycle Challengers will make their various ways to the top of Mount Troodos in preparation for this years Challenge.  After a peak of 35 applicants, we are now down to 30 riders following a number of withdrawals over the last few days.  And only one of those is due to the Icelandic volcano.

A further 10 UK-based riders and one Cyprus-based rider are stuck in the UK unable to reach Cyprus.  With an awful lot of luck some may arrive before the Challenge - here's hoping. 

If the worst case scenario becomes reality the 19 remaining riders will depart Troodos on Wednesday (21st April) morning, no doubt filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  The seasoned Challengers will have an idea what to expect; who knows if this is a good thing.  Meanwhile the Challenge 'virgins' will just be hoping they can make it round the four-day, 500Km route.

Regular updates of the teams progress will be posted on this website before the riders reach the top of Mount Troodos on Day 4 and begin their celebrations.

Good luck to all of those trying to reach Cyprus in time for the event and further best wishes to all of those that make the start.

Happy cycling.

The final major training session for the Ay Nik-based riders took place today with a hill session in the Lefkara and Stavrovouni areas.

After an early start the team travelled to Pygra before de-busing and preparing for the ride.  First up was a short undulating session to warm up before the climb to Pano Lefkara.  After a short stop along the route to allow for emergency mechanical work the riders made steady progress to the top of the climb.

On reaching the top there was time for a quick water stop before heading back down the hill towards the vehicles.

The team regrouped and then began the short ride to the next major climb to Stavrovouni Monastery.  The ascent of approximately 600m elevation over a 5Km distance was certainly a test.  Major mechanical failure prevented one of the team from reaching the summit but the remainder were able to take in the spectacular scenery on the way up and at the monastery itself.

A number of shorter local training rides remain as the team prepare for the event itself in 10 days time.  If we're not ready now, then I guess it's too late.