L'Étape Cyprus: "One of the most picturesque routes I have ever seen”

Cypriot cyclist champion Andreas Miltiadis describes the routes of the L’Étape Cyprus by Tour de France as some of the most beautiful he has ever competed on.

The 26-year-old, nine-times national champion, who boasts years of experience in international races on all continents, will compete for the second consecutive year in the event, which will take place on 12 November 2023.

“The L'Étape Cyprus by Tour de France race takes place amidst beautiful scenery, on one of the most picturesque routes I have ever seen in my career”, says Andreas Miltiadis, who adds that “the ascent from the sea, from Aphrodite Hills towards Mount Olympus and the return to Paphos for the finish, is in my opinion the most beautiful route in Cyprus”. He also points out that this race “is very important as it promotes our country abroad through a major event such as L’Étape by Tour de France”.

The Cypriot edition of the L'Étape series is organised by Mokapot Productions and includes two one-day races held simultaneously, "The Race", which is 136 km long with a 3,000-metre ascend, and "The Ride", on a 62 km long route with a 1,300-metre ascend. The athletes will move up towards Olympus, via Kouklia and Omodos, before returning to sea level for the finish.

The L'Étape series is the largest Sportive event in the world, i.e. for amateur and semi-professional athletes. Our country is one of the 29 stops of the series around the globe, with a total of 22 countries hosting a race. Participants have the opportunity to feel like cyclists competing in the famous Tour de France, the greatest cycling race in the world. That's due to the fact that all L'Étape by Tour de France races are held to the strict standards of the Tour de France, with a strong emphasis on all levels, including safety, escort cars, and of course the legendary yellow jersey.

The race ambassador Andreas Miltiadis, referring to the event experience, said: “The whole atmosphere, the whole event, is reminiscent of a Tour de France stage. The presence of people associated with the French race, such as old winners, is also a special experience for the participants. This race is something different, which has no equivalent in Cyprus".

In 2022, Miltiadis won the L'Étape Cyprus by Tour de France, finishing ahead of brothers Illnur and Aidar Zakarin. “I want to win the race for the second time. Last year, I had the Zakarin brothers as my main rivals, but I was in good shape and reached the finish line first.”

Registration for "The Race" and "The Ride" 2023 has already started, with registration costs starting from €79, and accommodation packages are also available. For more information, visit cyprus.letapebytourdefrance.com and email info@letapecyprus.com.

Andreas Miltiades calls for the participation of both foreigners and Cypriots

"The main reason for someone to come to Cyprus in November is the weather. Last year, although we were climbing Troodos mountain in November, we were cycling in summer clothes, while in other countries, at the same time, it was snowing. Foreign participants of the race can come to Cyprus by combining their stay on the island with a holiday package. On the other hand, for Cypriots, the experience of this race is unforgettable, and it is something that I recommend to all those who are involved in cycling, to dare and participate".

Sponsors and supporters of this year's L'Étape Cyprus by Tour de France are the deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Cyta, Cyprus Airways, KEO's Natural Mineral Water Agios Nikolaos and the American University of Beirut - Mediterraneo in Paphos.