Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2011
Sunshine Cup is the opener of the European racing season every year. Riders from all over the world gather in the Island for their last and most important preparation before the World Cup season starts. Participation in the races with combination of a training camp in Cyprus, is a «must» for many international Elite Mountain bikers. Racing courses suitable to challenge the riders‘ fitness and readiness for the new season is the character of the Cyprus Sunshine Cup. Highlight of the Cup is the Afxntia Stage Race that takes place every year on the last weekend of February in Macheras Forest. Well know riders enjoy this 3 day stage race as it is a Real mountain bike race. A combination of the pictursqe scenery of the surrounding area and the challenging courses constitute a complete package for the participants.
For 2011, Cyprus Sunshine Cup will be take place as follows.
- 20/02/2011 Cyprus Sunshine Cup #1 – Voroklini, Larnaka
- 25-27/2/2011 Cyprus Sunshine Cup #2 – «Afxentia 2011» Stage Race
- 6/3/2011 Cyprus Sunshine Cup #3 – Amathous, Ag. Tychon
Cyprus Sunshine Cup #1 – Voroklini, Larnaca
Voroklini is a medium sized village near the coast, on the eastern side of Larnaca. The race Is XCO format in a 6.9km lap with 240m height gain per lap. The course runs on the small hill of Profitis Elias mainly on forest roads with three downhill single trails. From the top of the course you can enjoy the scenery of the blue sea and the green color of the fields and smell the early spring fragrances.
Cyprus Sunshine Cup #2 – «Afxentia 2011» Stage Race – The only Stage Race World Wide for Individual riders in Hors Category
Afxentia Stage race has been organized for the past 15 years as a UCI Race, which makes it, if not the oldest one of the oldest existing stage races in Europe. The 2nd leg of Cyprus Sunshine Cup is world wide the only stage race for single riders in Hors Category status and the winner will earn 160 points for the world ranking. The race is a useful test for many Elite riders, where they can find high-level competition and top-level courses that will challenge them to a last check of their performance after their winter preparation. Many riders have said «If you can complete the Afxentia Stage race, then your season starts good»
The number of participants is been increasing from the first day that it was organized and in 2010 riders from 26 countries all over the world were lined up on the start line.
The area of Macheras Forest is under the authority of the Cyprus Forestry Department and is one of the most beautiful areas in the island the year round. The area is protected so there will be no interference of the races courses with any construction projects. The biggest part of the race (app. 98% ) takes place in forest roads and single trails, something that makes it a pure mountain bike race for the riders.
The choice of many riders to participate in the Afxentia stage race comes undoubtedly by the uniqueness of the route and the landscape as well the format of the race. Three days, three stages full of action and a great challenge for performance. Many well known riders have take part in the past in this event like, Bart Brentjens, Horgan- Kobelsky Jeremy, Frederik Kessiakof, Oli Beckingsale, Jaroslav Kulhavy, Sabine Spitz, Irina Kalantieva, Irmiger Heather, Petra Henzi, Lene Byberg and many more.
During the Second stage of Afxentia a separate OPEN category race is organized on specially designed course for bike lovers and hobby riders!
Cyprus Sunshine Cup #3
Next to the Ancient Kingdom of Amathous, in Agios Tychon, this relatively new course is specailly designed for the riders who want something different. Challenging the limits of both the riders and the bikes, the Amathous course is offering what one could ask just few weeks away from the main races and the world cups.
On a lap of 5.5 kms and 192m of ascend, you can ride next to the acheological monuments, up on the hill, in single trails, forest roads on rocky terrain and next to the beach. A small adventure in just 5,5kms.
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