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Photo courtesy of ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024
INEX Club successfully concluded the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024, a two-day cycling event that drew more than 140 participants who showcased their cycling skills across Limassol's diverse terrains last November 9-10, 2024.
The ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 kicked off with the Deputy Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Demos Katsis, welcoming participants, their families, and the rest of the attendees. In his opening speech, Mr. Katsis emphasized the importance of such events to promote the sport and highlight the beauty of Limassol, Cyprus.
He mentions, “Big thank you to the organizers, ARETI and INEX Club. We believe we have the best weather conditions, climate, and city to accommodate this kind of event.” He also emphasizes, “Events of such international caliber can expand the brand of the city, the know-how of the city, the information of the city globally. Our goal is to promote this kind of event. We can even take it one step further. Cycling is a sport that in the heart core of the principles of the city. We are planning to use bikes inside the city, so I believe, in the future, these kinds of events will have a lot of support, a lot of reinforcement.”
The first day’s race began with a ceremonial flag wave by Mr. Christodoulous Christodoulou, a member of the Executive Board of the Cyprus National Olympic Committee. Cyclists then started on a 70km Coastal Challenge, riding from Limassol to Pentakomo. The route offered breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline, allowing participants to experience the natural beauty of Cyprus while pushing their limits.
On November 10, the second day of the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024, cyclists dressed in their best suits and gears competed in a 30km circuit race around Limassol's new port area. This urban race provided a thrilling conclusion to the weekend as participants navigated sharp turns and fast-paced sprints. The final day also allowed cyclists to enjoy one last ride through Limassol’s vibrant streets before crossing the finish line.
Adding to the event's prestige, prominent figures from the cycling world were also present on the final day to celebrate the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 and express their enthusiasm for the sport's growing presence in the region.
Mr. Viacheslav Kuznetsov, co-founder and CEO of INEX CLUB, shared his joy at the event's success. “This two-day race is a big step forward. We hope everyone liked it, and we will continue... I want to say a big thank you to the INEX Club team and our partners for organizing this event. To all the participants who joined us, our sponsors, and our partners, especially our title sponsor, ARETI International Group and Igor Makarov, all of you guys made this very day happen.”
Mr. George Georgiou, president of the Cyprus Cycling Federation, also gave a short speech, expressing his gratitude to the whole team for organizing the event. He said, “On behalf of the Cycling Federation, I would like to thank you for participating in the two-day race organized by INEX CLUB. Congratulations to the organizers and supporters of this event. Very warm thanks to Mr. Igor Makarov and all the participants for the honor of being with us today. Thank you very much.”
The ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 concluded with an awards ceremony at the Finish Line Village, where participants gathered to celebrate their achievements. Cypriots George Kouzis and Constantina Georgiou, who stood out during both stages of the race, were recognized for their outstanding performances.
The Finish Line Village provided a festive atmosphere for all attendees, featuring live music, food stalls, and entertainment for families and friends who supported the cyclists. The vibrant setting allowed participants to unwind after two days of intense racing while reflecting on their accomplishments.
ARETI International Group, led by Cyprus citizen, former professional cyclist, and member of the UCI Management Committee Mr. Igor Makarov, made the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 possible through its major sponsorship.
During the closing ceremony, Igor Makarov gave his speech to all participants. He shared his perspective on cycling's transformation, noting how the sport flourished from 30 years ago to its current state in Cyprus.
He recalls, “I am delighted to see that the cycling development tradition here in Cyrpus is being developed. I found myself here in Cyprus 30 years ago, when I did not see any cyclists in the street. The situation has changed dramatically since that time. I see that such events are part of the flourishing development of cycling here in Cyprus.”
Concluding his speech, Makarov emphasized that the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 is not the end but a stepping stone in the region's ongoing cycling development journey.
“I have been pedaling for almost 50 years now and was honored to be part of the National Cycling Team,” Makarov noted. “Today, we continue to develop cycling on the international level via UCI…”
“I am very grateful to Cyprus leadership and all local cycling enthusiasts as Cyprus is the best place to develop cycling,” he concluded. “I am very grateful to all these people who participated…I feel that life, like cycling, is actually pedaling every day, making sure we go uphill. Let's all do that together.”
The success of the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024 highlights the abundant cycling talent in the region. With growing interest in the sport across Cyprus and increasing participation from both local and international athletes, there are high hopes that this annual event will continue to expand and strengthen cycling's presence in the region.
About INEX Club
INEX CLUB is a vibrant community for cycling enthusiasts and active adventurers, offering unforgettable experiences through daily rides with professional trainers, personal training programs, guided bike tours, events, rentals, bike-fitting garages, and much more. Located in Limassol, Cyprus, INEX CLUB is more than a cycling hub – it's a lifestyle destination where passion for biking meets camaraderie. INEX CLUB is committed to supporting every rider, from beginners to pros, ensuring they hit the road with style and confidence.
Contact Info:
Name: Natalia Rudakova
Email: Send Email
Organization: INEX CLUB LTD
Website: https://inex.club
Release ID: 89147581
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