The pier of Mikros Koule in Heraklion, Crete became the impressive scene at the opening ceremony of the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece, which is revived this year upgraded to the UCI (UCI) calendar, category 2.1 Europe Tour (Europ Tour), with five exciting routes from Crete to Ioannina.
In the presence of the US Ambassador, Jeffrey Payat, invited by the Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Aveganakis, and as it seems, the next US Deputy Secretary of State for Energy Affairs, the pier was flooded by representatives of all institutions, local and local authorities. groups.
The multi-layered and extremely important outline of the event was given in his short speech by the Deputy Minister of Sports, Lefteris Avgenakis who, among other things, said:
«For almost 3 years now, when our Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis entrusted me with leading Greek sports, we have been doing the impossible – possible for Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Principles and Values, to become a protagonist in world sporting events again.
We claim again with courage and hold top international events perfectly.
Our policy of extroversion is the best investment for the development of sports and the strengthening of the competitiveness of our economy.
We connect sport with tourism, benefiting local communities and the national goal. And we will achieve this with the PPC International Cycling Tour of Greece.
We welcome, therefore, one by one the 20 renowned Professional and National teams and the 140 top level cyclists.
Start tomorrow from here, from Heraklion, crossing Crete. Here, where the famous Minoan civilization “marries” with Cretan hospitality and food, where the blue of the sky joins the blue of the sea and the wild landscape of the mountain ranges echoes myths legendary around the world.
Then, Attica, Central Greece, Thessaly and finish on May 1 in Epirus, Ioannina. Five days of world promotion of our Greece. Five days of emotions in the respective exciting Stages, against the background of the amazing landscapes of our country ”
The entire speech of the Deputy Minister of Sports here
The US Ambassador said he was excited about his presence in Heraklion and at the opening ceremony of the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece. Jeffrey Payatas for him it is the best possible “closure” in his duties as Ambassador since in a few days he leaves our country to be upgraded, as stated by Joe Biden, with a role in the American Government!
«I thank Mr. Avgenakis for inviting me to Crete for this first stage.
Warm congratulations to the Minister and the team of Cycling Greece who “revived” this event.
I’m proud that my country is represented here by strong American athletes.
I have been spending the last two weeks in Greece as US Ambassador and it was a truly incredible experience. The most deeply etched memories in my memory will be the cycling ones. The last kilometers to Sparta or the last meters of the ascent to the Sacrifice Tour.
I feel grateful for the reception that the Greeks reserved for me and for everything that this country offers: the landscape, the scenery, its people, the wonderful food.
Thank you very much and good luck to all the teams “.
On behalf of PPC, a nominal and major sponsor of the International Cycling Tour of Greece, the representative of the Communication and Corporate Relations Department of PPC addressed a small greeting, Christina Korai.
«It is our pleasure to be here, at the start of this great sporting event and not only.
From the PPC side we will be there, as we always do, for more than 70 years now, supporting every action that creates value for society and contributes to a better, more sustainable future!
A unique experience for everyone, it starts in a few hours! ”
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee George Leventakis among others stressed:
«The importance of the fight is not described in a few words. Its imprint will be visible plus time. Those who know the dynamics of the sport, know this very well. The cycling family seizes the opportunity to develop racing cycling. To pass on its messages to the current challenges of sustainable mobility, its contribution to the environmental footprint, the development of good urban mobility practices. In the contribution of healthy citizens».
Greetings were also given by the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis and the Mayor of Heraklion Vassilis Lambrinos outlining the initiative of organizing the PPC Cycling Tour of Greece and noting the multiple benefits in the development of local communities.
Stavros Arnaoutakis: «The start of the 1st ETAP of Crete will give the opportunity to all participating cyclists to get to know the authentic Crete. To enjoy the beauties of Spring in a unique route characterized by the alternation of the landscape, by the dominance of the images created by the mountains of Crete and the clear blue waters of the sea».
Vassilis Lambrinos: «Welcome to Heraklion, the city of 5 + 1 cultures! Cycling is a great way to exercise and at the same time an environmentally friendly means of transportation, which we should all embrace, because it offers multiple benefits. The International Cycling Tour was a good occasion to remember and highlight them. I would like to thank the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Lefteris Avgenakis and the organizers who chose Heraklion for the official start of the race and wish all the teams a good stay and good luck.».
The athletes who will honor the race with their presence represent 5 continents and 26 countries, with Europe holding the lion’s share with 108 entries. Among them, we distinguish 16 who have experience from the three big Tours (Grand Tours), France, Italy and Spain, the “grand slams” of cycling.
The teams of the Round:
Trek – Segafredo – UCI World Team
Bingo Pauwels Sauces WB – UCI Pro Team
Drone Hopper – Androni Giocattoli – UCI Pro Team
Human Powered Health – UCI Pro Team
Caja Rural – Seguros RGA – UCI Pro Team
Team Novo Nordisk – UCI Pro Team
Allinq Continental Cycling Team – UCI Continental Team
Astana Kazakhstan Development Team – UCI Continental Team
BHS – PL Beton Bornholm – UCI Continental Team
Cross Team Legendre – UCI Cyclocross Team
Dukla Banska Bystrica – UCI Continental Team
Bolton Equities Black Spoke Pro Cycling – UCI Continental Team
Giotti Victoria – Savini Due – UCI Continental Team
Mg.K Vis-Color for Peace-VPM – UCI Continental Team
Team Coop – UCI Continental Team
Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team – UCI Continental Team
XSpeed ​​United Continental– UCI Continental Team
Tarteletto – Isorex – UCI Continental Team
Cyprus national team
National team of Greece
In the starting list we meet multinational teams, with each cyclist coming from a different country, such as Novo Nordisk and Xspeed United, but also national teams, where all their members have a common origin such as Greece, Cyprus and Tarteletto – Isorex, Dukla Banska Bystrica and Bhs PL Beton Bornholm.
HERE YOU CAN FIND THE STARTING LIST OF TEAMS
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.
