TOUR DE FRANCE HISTORY

loader-icon

The tour de France is the biggest annual sporting event in the world and the pinnacle of professional cycling. It is the most difficult and prestigious bicycle race on earth. Since the first edition in 1903, the Tour de France has grown to attract 10-12 million roadside spectators each year. The peloton includes 176 riders from 22 teams, racing across a total distance of 3,479.3 km for 21 Stages in just 23 days.

The 2022 Tour de France Stages included:

  • 6 Mountain Stages
  • 7 Hilly Stages
  • 6 Flat Stages

FUN FACTS

The youngest rider ever to win the Tour de France was in 1904, Henri Comet at only 19 years old.
In 2020, Tadej Pogacar was the second youngest rider to win the
Yellow Jersey at just 21 years old

Mark Cavendish is the second all time stage winner with 30 Stage wins.

The oldest rider ever to win the Tour was Firmin Lambot in 1922, he was 36 years old.

Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain have won the Tour de France five times. Miguel Indurain is the only rider to have won five consecutive Tours.

The least number of finishers in the Tour was 10 in 1919.

Eddy Merckx holds the record for the most stages won at the Tour de France with 34 stages wins.

THE YELLOW JERSEY

Yellow Jersey is the worldwide symbol of the Tour de France. It's also one of the most mythical trophies in the world of professional sports. Wearing this jersey is every rider's greatest dream; it means they have at last entered legendary status in their cycling career. In sporting terms, Yellow Jersey is awarded for regularity, consistency, and versatility across the 21 stages of the Tour. It promotes an incredible individual performance made possible by a dedicated team effort.


THE POLKA DOT JERSEY

Another enduringly popular emblem of the Tour de France TM, the polka-dot jersey is often an object of fascination among spectators too. As "lightweight" riders with remarkable physical aptitudes, climbers tend to differ in profile according to the types of ascent faced on medium or high mountains. But whatever the challenge, both punchers and "pure" climbers alike will need to demonstrate tactical awareness, a competitive ability, or the capacity to endure the effort it takes to earn the points associated with the most difficult parts of the climb.


THE GREEN JERSEY

Sprinting along the road, in the peloton, at 80 km per hour and after 180km of hard racing is not an easy task. Considered to be the fastest rider, the sprinter alternates between explosive power and finishing abilities by combining tactical skills, power, speed, and nerves of steel!


THE WHITE JERSEY

The white jersey is the ultimate talent indicator, distinguishing hopeful young cyclists from the future winners of the Tour de France. Always looking towards the future, the purpose of this jersey is to encourage teams to include riders under the age of 26, promote their potential, and prepare the next generation for the challenge that lies ahead!

EXPERIENCE THE TOUR DE FRANCE LEGEND!

"The Tour de France is the world's greatest cycling race. Each year it is passionately followed by fans around the world so it has naturally given rise to L'Etape by Tour de France", said Christian Prudhomme, tour de France director. The series has now expanded to multiple international locations including China, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.

Among L'Etape Series, L'Etape du Tour de France is defined as the Queen stage, our flagship, the sportive on each rider's bucket list With a peloton of 15.000 riders and 50 nationalities, it is Europe's biggest cycling event Riding on the same routes and under the same conditions as Tour de France champions: this is the promise that L'Etape du Tour de France has kept since 1993. Enjoy the only cycling event in the world allowing you to feel like a Tour de France champion and race with Tour de France champions on the route designed by Tour de France experts.

JOIN THE SERIES AND EXPERIENCE THE TOUR DE FRANCE LEGEND IN CYPRUS!

L'Etape Championship is an age group competition between all L'Etape riders. It takes place at L'Etape du Tour event, in France in July, on the same roads as the Tour de France, where the champions fight for the most coveted award in the world of cycling: The Yellow Jersey!

WHAT MAKES IT A SPECIAL COMPETITION?

Riders come from all over the world to conquer L'Etape du Tour, and every year the event is quickly sold out However, a limited number of riders are automatically qualified for the Championship, provided that they finish within the top 3 of their age group categories on other L'Etape Series events (list below). These riders can apply for a late entry since the last 150 bibs have been kept on purpose (event after the event is sold out). In addition, they will start from Waves O and 1, together with other contenders, and will enjoy a few surprises in the village. Check if you are on the list!

JOIN THE SERIES AND EXPERIENCE THE TOUR DE FRANCE LEGEND IN CYPRUS!

L’ETAPE CYPRUS

loader-icon

It is with great excitement that we welcome to Cyprus, for the first time this year, one of the world's most popular road cycling events, L'Etape by Tour de France. Sports tourism and cycling tourism in particular are a strategic priority for the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, whether watching or participating in events and races or conducting training in Cyprus. Over the years, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism has been a significant supporter of multiple sports events taking place in Cyprus, including road cycling events such as this year's L'Etape Cyprus by Tour de France and the Cyprus Gran Fondo.
For more information on cycling in Cyprus, along with cycling routes, event details, bike center information, and bike-friendly hotels, you can visit cyclingcyprus.info

At www.visitcyprus.com you can find information on how to combine your cycling visit to Cyprus with additional authentic experiences, from swimming in clear blue waters or hiking on quiet green mountains to visiting traditional villages and enjoying the local cuisine and wines.

Wishing all of you a successful race and an enjoyable stay!

Savvas Perdios
Deputy Minister of Tourism - Republic of Cyprus


Limassol with its unique fusion of influences is a fascinating and exciting destination for cyclists, It is a land where small and high hills blend together offering amazing experienc­es and presenting some spectacular views ranging from the endless blue of the Mediterra­nean to picturesque villages and vast unspoiled nature in a short distance, I cannot imagine a more fascinating way to explore the Limassol region, Over ten millennia of great history have molded the island of Cyprus into one incredibly rich in culture and heritage and although enduring many conquerors, it has still managed to maintain the important elements of its tradition, which along with the local warm hospitali­ty of the people make one's visit unforgettable.

The Limassol Tourism Board is a pioneer in promoting sustainable mobility modes in Cyprus and as such it promotes cycling for commuting, leisure, and sports, In that respect, we are a great supporter of the L'etape by Tour de France, We believe that such events encourage behavioral change in favor of cycling.

We are thankful to the organizers of the L'etape by Tour de France for bringing this event to Cyprus for the first time and wish both riders and spectators a memorable and rich experi­ence,

We look forward to welcoming you soon,

Tony Antoniou
Chairman of Limassol Tourism Board


It is such an honor for us to be hosting the world-famous international cyclosportive series, L'Etape by Tour de France, The host venue of this event, our destination, was not a random choice, Aphrodite Hills Resort is a teaser experience to introduce a complete "Cyprus Experience" in a smaller scale, a stunning Cyprus model. This mesmerizing town, Aphrodite Hills Resort, elegantly combines the beauties and offerings of the entire island: Mediterranean architecture, culinary flavors, rich cultural history, challenging terrain, beautiful scenery, sea, and mountain, sandy bays, or rugged forested cliffs: the best of both worlds in the glimpse of an eye, a location with something to offer almost everyone, a sports destination to satisfy a range of preferences in the most appealing way.

There is no better way to discover a country than on two wheels, Thanks to the all-year-round perfect weather conditions, varied terrain, and unique scenery, it is no wonder that Cyprus is a favorite destination for cycling, both leisurely as well as competitively.

A big thank you to our cycling associates who are based at the Resort and operate our cycling station, Mokapot Productions highly support the development of the cycling culture on the island and have successfully partnered with international brands to make such major sports events a reality, It's also a privilege associating with A.S.O. the international professionals who managed to invite and include so many countries into the fascinating world or riding and have established legendary events which seem to grow by the year,
Aphrodite Hills Resort looks forward to welcoming all cycling enthusiasts from around the world, The combination of our well-known Cypriot Hospitality and the French Culture will surely make this event, a ride to remember forever.

George Misirlis
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Aphrodite Hills Resort


Hello everybody "Kalosorisate"

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the first edition of L 'Etape Cyprus by Tour de France, As a first edition event we will be hosting participants from all around the World as well as many local Cypriot riders, We as organizers recognize this huge commitment by yourselves and fully appreciate your time and energy, Our target is to create an experience that will last a lifetime and bring you back for more, As a permeant resident of Cyprus, I am looking forward to welcoming you all to my home and our outstanding Country, We will work tirelessly to give all the athletes, onlookers, family, friends, and the Public an unforgettable time,

I would like to thank all the cooperating towns, villages, and municipalities, the police, the Ministers, and authorities, I would also like to thank the entire team working behind the scenes for their dedication and belief in this World class event. Building a culture of sport is a tireless task that takes many years of dedicated commit­ment, personal drive, belief, and above all passion, Cyprus and its citizens, athletes, and riders are dedicated to showing the World our beautiful culture, landscapes, and heritage, From the birthplace of Aphrodite to the Gods of Olympus, you will help create a community that will grow for years to come.

Finally, I would like to thank the participants in taking part in not only a race, but the evolution of a society and a sport that all can be part of, The inspiration that this event emanates touches the imagination of children of all ages, adults, and families all over the World, Please absorb, digest all the information in the handbook and we look forward to meeting you all.

Tony Martin
Race Director - L'Etape Cyprus by Tour de France

 

L'Etape Cyprus is thrilled to welcome on board the German Professional cyclist Joh Degenkolb.

IOHN DEGENKOLB
John Degenkolb is a German professional road bicycle racer, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Team DSM.

His biggest wins to date are the 2015 Milan-San Remo and the 2015 Paris-Roubaix, two of cycling's five monuments. He is a winner of stages in all three Grand Tours, with ten stages and the points classification at the Vuelta a Espana, one stage of the Giro d'ltalia, and one stage in the Tour de France.

In 2010 he won his first stage race, the Th0ringen Rund­fahrt der U23, and finished second in the under-23 race at the UCI Road World Championships. Degenkolb also took victory in the 2014 Gent-Wevelgem, and the 2013 Vattenfall Cyclassics, and was the overall winner of the 2012 UCI Europe Tour.

APHRODITE'S ROCK
Aphrodite's mythical birthplace 'Petra tau Romiou' is an interesting geological formation of huge rocks along one of the most beautiful coastlines on the island, located on the southwest coast of the Pafos (Paphos) district. According to the legend, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty -Aphrodite - was born of the sea foam here. Legend tells that she rose from the waves and was escorted on a shell to this particular beach.

TROODOS MOUNTAINS
The largest mountain range in Cyprus stretching across a third of the island is the Troodos mountains. Located at the west­ern side of Cyprus, its highest peak also known as Chionistra is 1,952 meters high. A cool escape during the summer months at the green heart of the island and a snow-filled winter destination with four ski slopes.

WINE VILLAGES
The Lemesos (Limassol) winemaking villages are renowned for their deep-rooted history of viticulture, as well as their excellent local wines and the stunning scenery of the area that produces them. Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, nowhere else in Cyprus can such a great presence of wineries be found! Collectively, the villages are known as 'Krasochoria', which is comprised of the two Greek words for 'wine' and 'villages' - a name that tells the story of its rich winemaking history in itself.

Aphrodite Hills, the location for the first edition of L'Etape Cyprus is easily accessible via air or ground transportation:

159KM - FROM PARALIMNI
Drive:1 Hour 40 minutes

143 KM - FROM KYRENIA
Drive: 2 Hours 20 minutes

129 KM - FROM NICOSIA CITY
Drive:1 Hour 30 minutes

115 KM - FROM LARNACA CITY
Drive:1 Hour 15 minutes

110 KM - FROM LARNACA AIRPORT
Drive: 1 Hour 10 minutes

47 KM - FROM LIMASSOL CITY
Drive:35 minutes

24 KM - FROM PAPHOS CITY
Drive:20 minutes

18 KM - FROM PAPHOS AIRPORT
Drive:15 minutes

The L'Etape Cyprus village is located at Aphrodite Hills in Paphos. The Village will be packed with entertainment all weekend including music, activities, exhibitors, and sponsor marquees along with food and drink stations for you, and your friends and family to enjoy! Join us to experience a unique Tour de France atmosphere!

VILLAGE OPENING HOURS

• SATURDAY 09:00 AM -18:00 PM

BIB COLLECTION
Collect your bib at the registration marquee in the village between 9 am and 18 pm on Saturday. Please note that there will be no registration pick-up on Sunday morning.

Event details:

When: Sunday, November 12th, 2023
Where: Aphrodite Hills Resort | Kouklia, Paphos  view directions
Race bag pick up: Aphrodite Hills Resort VillageSquare
Hashtag:  #letapecyprus #letapebytourdefrance

 

Saturday - 11 November 2023

09:00 Expo Opening
09:00-18:00 Bib Collection
09:00-18:00French Institute Activities
09:00-18:00"Didi the Devil" - Photopoint
13:00 Race Briefing

 

Saturday - 11 November 2023

07:00 Race Start
12:00 Awards Ceremony The Ride
14:00 Awards Ceremony The Race

THE RACE

loader-icon

With a route that is as stunning as it is challenging, the 1st edition of L'Etape Cyprus will be one to remember. The 136 Km course features two categorized climbs, totaling over 3000 m in elevation, traversing Cyprus' Wester Region and exposing the Paphos coastline and Troodos Mountains.

Starting at the golf hills of Paphos, you will set out on Aphrodite Hills Avenue towards Kouklia Village where you will enter the B6 main road. After 2 Km, you will enter Kouklia Village. The left-hand lane will be fully closed so you will have the chance to spread out across the road. Make sure you keep hydrated here as the first major climb of the day is fast approaching! At the BK mark, the Mt Olympus QOM/KOM commences. From that point, you will face a challenging 62 km ascent at an average gradient of 2.9%. Such a long climb is likely to be a leg-zapper and with so far still to race, pacing will be key. Breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the surrounding nature. You will exit Kouklia Village and travel through the quaint Oreites Forest and Oreites Wind Farm. Be aware of unpaved access roads in this section. Next, the course will continue weaving along the undulating vineyards of Pano Archimandrita before the 20 km challenging climb to Mousere. You continue riding along until reaching the first Feed Zone at Dora Village.

Dora Feed Zone will be positioned at the 25.9 km mark on the left-hand side of the road. Riders will have the opportunity to stop, refuel and hydrate before the upcoming course separation for The Race and The Ride. Cyclists not wishing to stop here can proceed straight, staying on the left side of the road. Shortly after the Dora feed station, the route for The Race and The Ride will split (at 26. Km). The Race will continue straight towards Mallia Village on E614, whilst The Ride will take a sharp right and cross around Dora Village heading into Dora valley.

Past Dora village, the course winds its way through the lush farm­land and native vineyards into the famous Kato Platres Village where riders will have the option to respite at Feed Zone 2, located on the left-hand side of the road at 45Km in. This is your last opportunity to refuel before taking on the second part of the climb to Troodos Square.

After passing through the second Feed Zone, the course makes a sharp left and you start climbing through pine-paved roads toward Troodos Square. With a seesaw-like climb profile, you can recover from the first climb whilst you prepare for the next! So take time and enjoy the combined flats and rolling undulations via monasteries, picnic sites, and the famous haunted Verengaria Hotel at Prodromos Village.

A third, hot Feed Station will be located right before Troodos Square on your left-hand side. Be prepared for temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celcius at this elevation in November. Once passed Feed Station 3, you will take a right turn and prepare yourself for a fast and long descent down Troodos Mountains. This long and technical descent starts at 68 Km in. There will be caution signs and marshals on the side of the road and you must comply with all safety instructions. Fatigue will be setting in at this stage so it is vital that you remain focused and vigilant as you make your way down the mountains.

During the descent, you will ride through the Chrasochoria (Greek for Wine+Villages) region, where you can admire the rich Limassol wine valleys. Pachna Feed Station will be positioned on the left side of the road at 101 km. You can choose to continue straight though must stay to the left The course will remain straight until making a left turn at Pissouri Village.

The fifth and final Feed Station for the day will appear quickly as it is positioned 123 km on the left-hand side of the road. Hydrate here and then home straight is in sight! You will be greeted with magnificent views of the Mediterra­nean Sea all the way from here to the finish line.

Last but not least, the Aphrodite Hills climb is the final challenge of the day. At 1.7 km long Aphrodite Hills is the race's shortest climb. However, what the climb lacks in length, it makes up in steepness. With an average gradient of 7%, many riders will find Aphrodite Hills to be the hardest part of the day, made worst by the 135Km before it takes one last view of the Mediterranean Sea as you climb and before you head for the Finish line at Aphrodite Hills Resort

START LINE - Aphrodite Hills
water, electrolytes, coffee

A. 27 KM- Dora
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

B.44 KM - Kato Platres
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

C.68 KM - Troodos Square
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

D.101KM-Pachna 
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

E.121 KM- Pissouri 
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

FINISH LINE - Aphrodite Hills
water, beer, fresh fruit, sandwiches

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

• Medical tent at the Start / Finish Line
• Ambulance at the 5 Water / Feed Stations
• Ambulance behind The Race
• Ambulance behind The Ride
• Medical Crew throughout the race convoy

MECHANICAL SERVICES

•Mechanical Station at the Village
• Mechanical Service prior to the start of the race
• Mechanical Vehicle in the convoy behind The Race / The Ride
• Fixed Mechanical Stations at the Water/ Feed Stations

SAG WAGON

A SAG Wagon will travel at the back of the peloton behind the Timing vehicle to transport riders who can no longer participate in the event due to medical, mechanical, or physical reasons. There will be a bus and truck which will provide riders and their bikes with a lift back to the Village.

L'Etape Cyprus is held on a rolling road closure system. Cut-off times have been determined to respect the road re-opening timings.

CUT-OFF TIMES

The slowest average speed for the Race and the Ride has been calculated considering both elevations. A timing car with a clock on the roof will travel at the back of the peloton and follow the slowest average speed for The Race and The Ride.
Any rider overtaken by the timing car will be declared "Out of Race" and will not be able to access Mechanical Assistance, Medical Assistance, or any of the Feed Stations after this point There will be a SAG Wagon following the back of the peloton, and riders will be offered transport for themselves and their bike back to Aphrodite Hills. Roads will be re-opened to the traffic once the timing car has passed.

CUT-OFF AREAS

Cut-off areas are in place at each Feed Station on the course. Cut-off times will be advertised on the website.

From Start To Finish Stage Segment First Rider Last Rider
0 136.6 Start 7:00 7:00
5 131.6 Kouklia Village Castle 7:07 7:15
10 126.6 Orites Windfarm Entrance 7:22 7:40
15 121.6 Orites Windfarm Exit 7:37 8:05
20 116.6 Past Archimandrita Village 7:52 8:30
25 111.6 Before Dora Village 7:57 8:37
30 106.6 Before Mallia Village 8:05 8:52
35 101.6 Past E601 Turn 8:13 9:07
40 96.6 Oenou Gi Winery 8:28 9:32
45 91.6 Kato Platres Turn 8:43 9:57
50 86.6 Past E804 (PLatres) Junction 8:58 10:22
55 81.6 Before Camp Site 9:13 10:47
60 76.6 Prodromos Village 9:21 11:02
65 71.6 North Face Lift 9:36 11:27
70 66.6 Towards Troodos Old Road Exit 9:41 11:35
75 61.6 Pano Platres Road before Trout Farm 9:46 11:42
80 56.6 Inside Pera Pedi Dam Road 9:51 11:50
85 51.6 Koilani Village Entrance/Exit 9:56 11:57
90 46.6 Vouni Village Entrance/Exit 10:04 12:12
95 41.6 Before Agios Amvrosios Village Turn 10:09 12:20
100 36.6 Before Pachna Village Turn 10:17 12:35
105 31.6 Before 62Km Crossing 10:25 12:50
107 29.6 Crossing point with 62Km 10:28 12:56
110 26.6 Anogyra Village Exit 10:31 13:00
115 21.6 Past Plataniskia Exit 10:36 13:08
120 16.6 Ministry of Agriculture 10:41 13:15
125 11.6 Pissouri A6 Exit 10:49 13:30
130 6.6 Aphrodite's Rock Viewpoint 11:04 13:55
135 1.6 Before Aphrodite Hills Turn 11:12 14:10
136.6 0 Finish 11:17 14:18

THE RIDE

loader-icon

With a route that is as stunning as it is challenging, the 1st edition of L'Etape Cyprus will be one to remember. The 136 Km course features two categorized climbs, totaling over 3000 m in elevation, traversing Cyprus' Wester Region and exposing the Paphos coastline and Troodos Mountains.
Starting at the golf hills of Paphos, you will set out on Aphrodite Hills Avenue towards Kouklia Village where you will enter the B6 main road. After 2 Km, you will enter Kouklia Village. The left-hand lane will be fully closed so you will have the chance to spread out across the road. Make sure you keep hydrated here as the first major climb of the day is fast approaching! At the BK mark, the Mt Olympus QOM/KOM commences. From that point, you will face a challenging 62 Km ascent at an average gradient of 2.9%. Such a long climb is likely to be a leg-zapper and with so far still to race, pacing will be key. Breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the surrounding nature. You will exit Kouklia Village and travel through the quaint Oreites Forest and Oreites Wind Farm. Be aware of unpaved access roads in this section. Next, the course will continue weaving along the undulating vineyards of Pano Archimandrita before the 20 km challenging climb to Mousere. You continue riding along until reaching the first Feed Zone at Dora Village.

Dora Feed Zone will be positioned at the 25.9 km mark on the left-hand side of the road. Riders will have the opportunity to stop, refuel and hydrate before the upcoming course separation for The Race and The Ride. Cyclists not wishing to stop here can proceed straight, staying on the left side of the road. Shortly after the Dora feed station, the route for The Race and The Ride will split (at 26 Km). The Race will continue straight towards Mallia Village on E614, whilst The Ride will take a sharp right and cross around Dora Village heading into Dora valley.

After passing through the first Feed Station, you will start your descent into Dora Valley. This course brings spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and Oreites Wind Farm, however, be sure to keep your wits about you and control your speed as there are a few sharp hairpins to navigate on the way down. Please obey the traffic marshals and warning signs on the descent, cautioning riders to slow down.

Once you reach the bottom of the descent, at 48.8 Km riders will have one last opportunity to stop before the Finish at Pissouri Village Feed Station. This will be positioned on the left-hand side of the road. Cyclists wanting to continue straight onto the finish must stay on the left-hand side of the road.

With less than 15 km to the finish line, you will make your way back along the B6 main road. Please be aware that there are roadworks at the SSKm mark (Petra tou Romiou). Traffic Marshals may need to briefly stop riders if there is a need to do so. Finally, you will be back in familiar territory as the course turns right into Aphrodite Hills for the last climb of the day. A short (l7 km) but challenging climb with an average of 7 % will lead you to the home stretch. After a final sharp right turn into Agapinoros Avenue, you will be heading to the Finish line at Aphrodite Hills Resort

START LINE - Aphrodite Hills
water, electrolytes, coffee

A. 27 KM- Dora
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

B.44 KM - Kato Platres
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

C.68 KM - Troodos Square
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

D.101KM-Pachna 
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

E.121 KM- Pissouri 
water, electrolytes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cookies, cakes

FINISH LINE - Aphrodite Hills
water, beer, fresh fruit, sandwiches

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

•Medical tent at the Start / Finish Line
• Ambulance at the 5 Water / Feed Stations
• Ambulance behind The Race
• Ambulance behind The Ride
• Medical Crew throughout the race convoy

MECHANICAL SERVICES

•Mechanical Station at the Village
• Mechanical Service prior to the start of the race
• Mechanical Vehicle in the convoy behind The Race / The Ride
• Fixed Mechanical Stations at the Water/ Feed Stations

SAG WAGON

A SAG Wagon will travel at the back of the peloton behind the Timing vehicle to transport riders who can no longer participate in the event due to medical,mechanical, or physical reasons. There will be a bus and truck which will provide riders and their bikes with a lift back to the Village.

L'Etape Cyprus is held on a rolling road closure system. Cut-off times have been determined to respect the road re-opening timings.

CUT-OFF TIMES

The slowest average speed for the Race and the Ride has been calculated considering both elevations. A timing car with a clock on the roof will travel at the back of the peloton and follow the slowest average speed for The Race and The Ride.
Any rider overtaken by the timing car will be declared "Out of Race" and will not be able to access Mechanical Assistance, Medical Assistance, or any of the Feed Stations after this point There will be a SAG Wagon following the back of the peloton, and riders will be offered transport for themselves and their bike back to Aphrodite Hills. Roads will be re-opened to the traffic once the timing car has passed.

CUT-OFF AREAS

Cut-off areas are in place at each Feed Station on the course. Cut-off times will be advertised on the website.

<

From Start To Finish Stage Segment First Rider Last Rider
0 62 Start 7:00 7:00
5 57 Kouklia Village Castle 7:07 7:15
10 52 Orites Windfarm Entrance 7:22 7:40
15 47 Orites Windfarm Exit 7:37 8:05
20 42 Past Archimandrita Village 7:52 8:30
25 37 Before Dora Village 8:00 8:45
30 32 Dora Valley 8:08 9:00
32.5 29.5 Crossing point with 136Km 8:12 9:07
35 27 Anogyra Village Exit 8:15 9:11
40 22 Past Plataniskia Exit 8:20 9:18
45 17 Ministry of Agriculture 8:25 9:26
50 12 Pissouri A6 Exit 8:33 9:41
55 7 Aphrodite's Rock Viewpoint 8:48 10:06
60 2 Before Aphrodite Hills Turn 8:55 10:21
62 0 Finish 9:01 10:31

OTHER

loader-icon
  • You are requested to ride in a single file where appropriate and no more than 2 abreast at any time. Single-file riding is mandatory when double white line systems are in operation on the roads.
  • Unless required during a safe overtaking procedure you should not cross the center line whilst ride, and you should make sure particularly on descents, that you slow down sufficiently to be able to make a turn onto a side road without having to cross onto the "wrong' side of the road. Please always remain aware of your fellow participants and all other road users (including motor vehicles, other cyclists, livestock, and pedestrians) and ensure you always leave sufficient space I give way where required.
  • Please look out for and observe all Highway signage relating to descents, bends, general road regulations, cattle grids, and other hazards.
  • Please always indicate & signal your intention to stop or change direction, including at junctions.
  • Please also take note of any specific event signage that has been installed for the event as this will be in place for your safety and to warn you of what is approaching. However, these will not and cannot highlight every risk and so you must remain alert & maintain an awareness of your surroundings at all times.
  • You should remain in control and ride according to your ability as well as the road conditions and environment. Think and look ahead to search for any potential obstacles or risks coming up. This may include hidden dips and obstacles I hazard around corners - if you cannot see a good way along the road ahead of you or around a corner then slow down accordingly so you can respond/react if necessary.
  • Please note that we reserve the right to terminate your participation if you fail to comply with any of the above, or are seen to be riding dangerously.

All riders will receive a timing chip in their registration pack. The timing chip must be attached to the front of their handlebars. Please do not bend your number with the chip on, this will damage the chip and your time will not be recorded. The chip will record your overall time and classification. The main timing points will be at the Start/Finish line. There will also be 4 other points set up on the course to record the QOM/KOM classification.

 

BIKE
Please make sure it is in good condition! There will be mechanics at the start venue and at the Feed Stations on the route, but we would advise making sure your bike is in tip-top condition prior to arriving at the event

HELMET
Helmets are compulsory and must be worn on the day.

DRINK BOTTLES & REFRESHMENTS
You will be able to replenish the Feed Stations but ensure you start with the right­sustenance with you (full drink bottles, snacks, etc).

BIKE REPAIR KIT
Your bike repair kit - spare inner tubes, pump, puncture repair including tire levers, multi-tool, chain tool, Shimano pin, etc. There will be mechanical support around the route.

CLOTHING
Conditions may vary greatly across the distance of the route, so please ensure you bring windproof gear, sunscreen, a mobile phone, and some form of identification.

5 TIPS FOR FUELLING ON THE DAY

  1. Aim to consume 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour of riding.
  2. Eat and drink consistently on the ride. Set your watch alarm to go off every 20 minutes as a reminder.
  3. To ensure your carbohydrate stores are full, consume a carbohydrate-rich snack 15- 30 mins before the start Good options include an energy bar or a banana.
  4. Prepare food to eat post-ride and boost recovery, 15-30 minutes after a ride the body can replace energy stores at 150% of the normal rate.
  5. Remember to always test your nutrition plan in training prior to the ride.

KEY NUTRITION TIMINGS

  1. Fuel & Hydrate: It is important that in the days leading to race day your carbohydrate stores are high and that you are well hydrated. Think about adding high-carb foods such as bread, potatoes, or pasta to your meals 2 days out and adding electrolytes to your water.
  2. Maintaining Energy Stores: Eat before you get hungry! It is essential that you continuously top up your energy stores throughout the ride. Eating high-carb foods every 30 minutes will help you perform better and reduce fatigue. If you leave it until you are feeling depleted, it is too late.
  3. Refuel and Repair: You must refuel with carbohydrates and proteins immediately after you finish a ride whether it be training or racing. You have a 20-minute window to refuel before your muscles start to break down. Be prepared and have a bar/sandwich/shake ready for when you stop your session.
11.11.2023

RACE BAG PICK UP

09:00 - 18:00

11.11.2023

RACE BRIEFING

13:00 - 14:00

13.11.2011

START AREA OPENS

06:00

12.11.2023

START AREA CLOSES

06:45

12.11.2023

RACE START

07:00

12.11.2023

AWARDS CEREMONY - THE RIDE

12:00-13:00

12.11.2023

AWARDS CEREMONY - THE RACE

14:00-15:00

Contact

Get In Touch

For more information
about our products or services please contact us!

Visit Us

Aphrodite Hills Village Square
Kouklia 8500
Pafos – Cyprus

Mail Us

Mokapot Productions Ltd
P.O. BOX 32452
8064 Pafos, Cyprus

Follow Us

Opt in for our monthly newsletter below to find out first about our events and stay tuned with our latest developments.

CALL: 357-2622-0713

Contact