On the 18 and the 19 October the Grand Final of the Enduro Mediterraneo will be held in Pelion. After two sensational races the curtain falls for the Enduro Mediterraneo in Pelion. With Nontas Lamprakopoulos (Velocity Bikes)from Agrinio preceding the score so far, Vangelis Kavvada (Bike n Roll) from Corfu following and the Scotsman Gary Forrest (WTB UK Enduro Team) are pioneers in the standings so far and many more notable cyclists to follow trying to claim a podium finish. Preparations have been completed and the countdown has started for Sunday morning, October the 19th with the starting line at Kato Gatzea. Athletes will start their route covering most of central Pelion area and confront the paths that have been opened in the vicinity of Aghios Giorgos Nileias down to Kato Gatzea.
The race route is based on old trails and paths that for centuries linked the villages. Up to the middle of the last century they were the main access of transport for people, goods and culture. As cars prevailed they gradually became abandoned and passed into disuse or in most cases destroyed. From that vast network of trails only a small percentage remains, nevertheless it has the potential to drive growth for Pelion to attract visitors. In recent years private initiative has started reopening, maintenance and signposting of these pathways. The Final of the Enduro Mediterraneo really gave the motivation to open new trails and gave the opportunity to cyclists and spectators to experience the mountain and enjoy a race, if not the most beautiful cycling route in Greece-certainly the one with most diversity. Starting near the peaks of Pelion, and beach forests, the journey to the coast of the Pagasitikos Gulf has every kind of terrain and vegetation.
LinksVolos Participants 2014 -
http://enduromediterraneo.com/participants/Registration -
http://enduromediterraneo.com/registration/