In an atmosphere of celebration and with an impressive turnout of people, the 1st L’Etape Greece by Tour de France presented by SKODA, on Saturday April 1st, in the mythical and highly symbolic place of Ancient Olympia. The top cycling race with its stamp legendary Tour de Franceco-organized by EY ZIN Greece and the Region of Western Greece, is now a great addition to the sports calendar of our country, while it marks a special moment for cycling in Greece.
At the 1st L’Etape Greece, over 650 female and male cyclists from all over the world tested their endurance on the terrain, following a demanding circular route (The Race 150km or The Ride 75km) around the birthplace of the Olympic Games against the backdrop of the enchanting nature of the western Peloponnese. Pioneer cyclists pushed their limits, combining physical and mental endurance, speed, strategy and, of course, passion for cycling. In this effort, the contribution of the 100 volunteers who encouraged them during the route and contributed to the smooth and safe conduct of the major cycling event according to the high global standards of the Tour de France was decisive.
The “present” at L’Etape Greece was also given by Didi “The Devil”, the mascot of the Tour de France worldwide, as he has followed the cycling institution faithfully for 30 years! Wearing the characteristic red uniform of the devil, the German Didi Senft started the race together with the chief shoemaker, while he welcomed the athletes and gymnasts at the finish arch, giving the audience unique photographic moments.
On Sunday, April 2, the legend of L’Etape Greece was also lived by the children, as they put on their helmets and cycled along a gentle route or together with their families in Family Ride either alone at Kids Race. The weekend of the young cyclists and their companions who came from Athens or the surrounding area combined the excursion with the exciting activity of cycling in the landscape of Ancient Olympia.
Almost 2,000 young and old visitors were in the wider area and lived the L’Etape experience up close. Throughout the event, the entire area
was in a festive atmosphere, with residents, professionals and the Ilia Police Department embracing the popular race that has captivated millions of spectators in 21 countries around the world for three decades – with Greece being the 22nd country on the event’s roster.
The big winners
On the racing track The Race 150kmin the women’s category, she finished first Nadia Syntzanaki, winning the coveted yellow jersey which is the highest award in the world of cycling. The second one was Anastasia Tsuruktziswhile followed by Efstratia Papadopoulou. All three athletes of the final trio also won their participation in L’Etape du Tour 2024. In the men, the yellow jersey was won by George Bouglas, member of the Skoda Cycling Team, who finished first. They followed in order of ranking Miltiadis Giannoutsos, Nikolaos Papagiannakis and Zisis Souliossecuring their participation in L’Etape du Tour 2024.
On the shortest race track The Ride 75kmfirst among women was finished by Katerina Malamou, climbing the podium in the yellow jersey. They followed Georgia Klironomou in second place and Danae Moraitis in the third. In the men’s category, the cyclist who wore the yellow jersey is Polychronis Tzortzakis from the Skoda Cycling Team, while they were followed by Minas Malatos and Antonis Tsoukalochoritisin second and third place respectively.
Along with the cyclists, the site of Ancient Olympia emerged as a big winner. Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, Regional Governor of Western Greece, noted: “The experience of L’Etape Greece was unique for all of us. The Olympic Land was associated with a top sporting event that was completed with great success and opens new avenues in the further promotion of cycling sports and cycling tourism in Western Greece”. In turn, Mr. Dimitris Nikolakopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor for Sports, Volunteering and Olympism, added: “Wonderful cycling moments, where else, in the birthplace of sports and culture! L’Etape Greece by Tour de France is hosted for the first time in Ancient Olympia and is here to stay. It is a truly magical experience. Congratulations to the organizers and contestants! We look forward to the next big event in our country.”
According to Mr. George Georgiopoulos, Mayor of Ancient Olympia: “It was a perfect event high level, which I believe satisfied the hundreds of athletes who participated as well as the numerous spectators who watched it. As the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, we also contributed to the success of the 1st L’Etape Greece. Olympia would be ideal to host the next competition as well, in 2024, the year of the 33rd Olympic Games”.
Ms. Vasia Birlirakis, Managing Director of EY ZIN Greece, said: “We are proud to have delivered a legendary event in one of the most interesting areas of the country. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the Region of Western Greece who stood by us as a co-organizer throughout the preparation and implementation, our sponsors who embraced the event with real care, the Hellenic Cycling Federation who was present without thinking, the Municipal Authorities of Ancient Olympia and Pyrgos and especially the tireless team of EY ZIN Greece. Our country has nothing to envy other corresponding countries in hosting events of such a level and specifications that not only give visibility to the regions, but also lengthen the tourist season. We are lucky to have had a visionary and willing operator on board. We look forward to the next event.”
Mr. Manos Draktos, SKODA Sales & Marketing Manager of Kosmocar highlighted the company’s close and timeless relationship with the Tour de France: “Skoda’s history is inextricably linked to cycling since the company was founded, which continues in the most practical way even today. Since 2004 when Skoda became the official vehicle partner of the Tour de France, dozens of its vehicles have been at the forefront of cycling’s premier race. L’Etape Greece by Tour de France presented by SKODA gave us the opportunity to highlight Skoda’s commitment to cycling in our country as Official Mobility Partner with the Skoda Enyaq iV which was the official car of the event”.
The great success of the 1st L’Etape Greece by Tour France since the first year seals the importance of sports tourism for the development of the regions and for the empowerment of the community that shares unique moments and emotions through sports. At the same time, it prescribes a bright future for the organization which, as everything testifies, is expected to become an institution. See you at the 2nd L’Etape Greece, in 2024!
Watch the video highlights of the 1st L’Etape Greece by Tour France
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
