Month: December 2017

STAGE 4 – XCO – Mantra tou Kampiou

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The Mantra tou Kampiou Pic-Nic site hosts the fourth and final stage of the Afxentia stage race, the Cross Country Olympic format race! Being based on the same trails used in the very first edition of the stage race, the Mantra course is considered a classic in the MTB XCO world. An all-natural, old school course, which slowly evolves every year, with new – small or big – sections added every year to make racing more spectacular, with long climbs and very long, super steep descends, it’s a favourite amongst the athletes!

Distance: 5.9Km per lap..
Total ascent: +217m per lap

To download the route in gpx format click here

STAGE 3 – XCP – Lythrodontas

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Stage 3 of the Afxentia Stage Race starts in Lythrodontas main square. After going through some of the best riding the area has to offer the riders will return to the finish on the outskirts of the village. Lythrodontas also hosts the final awards ceremony after the last stage of the race. The local community has embraced the race and creates a festive atmosphere with traditional music, food and sweets!

Distance: 66.2Km
Total ascent: +1993m

To download the route in gpx format click here

STAGE 1 – XCT – Lefkara

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Stage 1 of the Afxentia Stage Race starts from the Saviour church on the hill overlooking Lefkara. After passing through the narrow alleys of the village, it follows a route inspired by Enduro racing to decent 500m lower to the basin of the Pentaschoinos River.

Distance: 14.5Km
Total ascent: +147m

To download the route in gpx format click here

Main 17 – Pafos (Paphos) – Agios Georgios, Pegeia – Lara – Baths of Aphrodite Cycling Route

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The route explores the west coast of the island. Starting at the Pafos Archaeological Park and passing through the ‘Tombs of the Kings’, two of the most important archaeological sites on the island, you arrive after about 15 km, at the entrance of the Akamas peninsula. On the way there, you can make a small detour towards the Pegeia Sea Caves, a coastal area of stunning natural beauty. When you reach Akamas, not too far from its entrance you can find a path leading through the wonderful Avakas Gorge. It is worthwhile leaving your bike there for a while (you will need to have a lock with you) and walk the path. The Gorge’s impressive geological features and natural beauty definitely deserve a visit!

Continuing your ride on the route, you will pass by Lara beach, nesting ground of the caretta caretta turtles. The turtles dig nests in the soft golden sand where they lay their eggs, and if you are lucky, you might be able to catch a view of the new born turtles.

The route continues along the coast for several kilometres before climbing up into the peninsula. Arriving at the highest point of the route, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the blue Mediterranean Sea stretching on both sides of Akamas peninsula. Descending, you will reach the ‘Fontana Amosora’ area where you can enjoy a swim in the crystal, clear waters of the ‘Blue Lagoon’, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

A few kilometres further, you will reach the end of the route a fresh water spring called Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite), where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty used to take her baths.

To download the route in gpx format click here

Troodos 2 – Troodos – Psilo Dentro – Caledonia falls – Troodos Cycling Route

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Starting your ride at the Troodos Square, you will immediately find yourself on quiet dirt roads offering great views of Limassol’s wine villages and the Commandaria wine area. Not too far from the start of the route (at 3km), we recommend you to take a little detour to ride up to the viewpoint of the Persephone walking nature trail, ‘Makria Kontarka’, which offers stunning views of the spread of vineyards and wine villages as far as the Lemesos port to the South.

When you return and continue on the route, you will see on your left a scar on the mountain slope left by the long since closed asbestos mine at Pano Amiantos. The Troodos Geopark Visitor Centre is located at the old Asbestos mine, an area with enormous historical value which now hosts an extraordinary botanical garden with information about the flora of the area, a seed bank of endemic species and also a plethora of evidence for the past mining activity and the community which once flourished there. The Geopark Visitor Centre is situated in the newly restored elementary school of the abandoned asbestos mine. Extensive reforestation works are ongoing in an effort to reverse the nature damage that the mine caused. The Centre’s exhibits highlight the extreme geological importance and uniqueness of the Troodos Mountain range and it is worth a visit.

Continuing along the route you will reach its lowest point and then the area Psilodentro. There, you can take a break to regain strength for the long uphill that follows. At Psilodentro there is a hiking trail which leads to the Kalidonia waterfall. There are signs pointing the way to the waterfall if you feel up to it.

The route then continues uphill to the starting point, at Troodos Square.

To download the route in gpx format click here