Ten days after the end of the second, after its revival, Tour of Greece, the very positive impressions of the participants have exceeded all expectations, giving strength to the people of the Organizing Committee to continue the great effort, so that the race is established as one of the most tempting in its category on a global scale. Congratulatory letters, messages and phone calls from the general captains of all teams overwhelm the organizers of the Game every day.
It is now noticeable that the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece has opened up new perspectives both in the development of the sport of cycling and in the development of the economic opportunities of the regions through which it passes, while simultaneously attracting alternative tourism.
For the Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis, who implemented the idea of ​​reviving the race (upgraded from last year to the World Federation’s calendar), what happened at this year’s PPC Cycling Tour of Greece was something that even he did not expect in just the second year since the return of.
“It was with great satisfaction that I watched the truly impressive development of the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece this year, in the second year since its revival! In the first two days in Heraklion, I saw thousands of children watching the Prologue with interest and participating in the parallel activities that had been prepared by the organizers! Let their faces shine!
On the second day of the stage that ran through the prefecture of Heraklion I had the opportunity to chat with participants and they conveyed their excellent impressions to me. I was informed that also in the Peloponnese everything went perfectly. Organization, routes, hospitality moved to high levels.
I am very happy and proud that this great event is established and our efforts at the Deputy Ministry of Sports, but also of the entire Government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, are vindicated.”
Really, as Mr. Avgenakis said, the routes, the hospitality and the promotion, exceeded the initial goals of the Organizing Committee, impressing the participants as well as the lovers of competitive road cycling.
The people of Cycling Greece are now setting the bar higher, determined to compete with this year’s best selves, so that next year they can present an even better event.
Indicative of the excellent impressions received by the Organization from all the participants, was the letter from Yuri Leitao of Caja Rural, the great winner of the general classification, the points score and the stage in Cyparissia!
Leitao among other things wrote:
“It was an unforgettable experience. It’s my first time competing in the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece and I have to admit that the organizers did a great job, presented an amazing preparation and gave us an unforgettable stay.
Costa Navarino was the biggest surprise, the best hotel I have ever stayed at. Without the slightest doubt, the ideal setting for an unforgettable memory along with my victory in the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece”.
Leitao had also spoken exclusively at the press office of the event, shortly before the awards at the finish in Ancient Olympia, where he did not hide his excitement, saying: “It is certain that me and my team will return to your enchanting country. To finish in Ancient Olympia, while fighting to achieve Olympic qualification, is something unique. I have no words to describe it!”.
Stanislaw Aniolkowski of Human Powered Health, who won the 2nd and 4th stages in Heraklion and Ancient Olympia, moved on the same wavelength:
“It was an excellent Tour. An unforgettable week for those of us who participated! It was an incredible event, with nice routes, good roads, excellent response to everything we asked for and very good hospitality. I am happy to be in Greece and thank you very much for the experience”.
One of “our” children, the athlete of the Cyprus National Team, Andreas Miltiadis, who won 6th place in the general ranking and was named “king of the mountains”, declared excitedly:
“For me, who is a Cypriot, Greece always means something more. The organizers had made sure that there was a historicity in every finish and every start! Countless symbolisms, amazing finish in Ancient Olympia. We enjoyed the Tour, I’m very happy to have participated and I hope to be here next year as well.”
The overall under-23 leader, Logan Currie of Bolton Equities Black Spoke, said:
“I really enjoyed it! It was an amazing event, with routes that had the changes we want. Nice locations, great starts and exciting finishes. Terrible sprint! I was here last year as well, but this year everything was much better, since I also won the white jersey!”.
Finally, the athlete of our national team, Periklis Ilias, underlined:
“The routes in Messinia were amazing, quiet roads, nice mountains, great views full of Greece! Personally, I really like the Peloponnese. Whenever I am there I feel the hospitality of the people and maybe it plays a role that half of my origin is from Kyparissia. You can find nice routes everywhere, but combining the right route with hospitality and accommodation is not an easy thing. Messinia and Costa Navarino achieved it in the superlative degree! This is by far the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in Gyros, the staff were very kind, I really have no words to describe the experience.”
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.
