Cyprus Downhill Scene - The Evolution

Source: Marios Spyrou

Since last time I wrote about the Downhill scene in Cyprus things gone bigger and better and with more people joining the sport. With the promotion we are doing all the time and with the support we are getting from the distributor of Bergamont Bicycles in Cyprus we have managed to get more riders into the sport of downhill mountain biking.

Below I present photos and videos of the downhill scene in Cyprus as it has evolved so far. Enjoy!This is the Oroklini DH track, the one and only man made downhill track, in Cyprus:

Oroklini mini-DH track - Cyprus

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Getting ready to shred the track

Train session

Marios pinning the "Triplets" with his Bergamont G9 - Gearbox

109kg of mass on the ground!

The "Scorpio" kick!

Uncle Sam, age 57, showing young riders how it is done

Air-Stean...light, but fast

The distributor of Bergamont bicycles in Cyprus is supporting our effort constantly

Air-Stean going big

Solonas entering the "Drop" zone!

Xavier hitting one of the drops

...entering the rock garden!

Antonis killing a technical section of the track

Team "Old School"

The final jump of the course named "Uncle Sam" in honor of the oldest rider of the group Sam Tucker

Bergamont Team Cyprus - Marios, Marios and Antonis

A small documentary filmed by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation:

Documentary on National Broadcasting channel regarding the Downhill scene in Cyprus

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This year we managed to organize the first downhill race at Oroklini Downhill track. It was the first ever proper downhill race in Cyprus made with success, but still the level of the event was far away from looking similar to the events made in USA, Canada and Europe. Even though participation of athletes was small we had numerous spectators who came and watched the race and who really enjoyed it. What is important though is the fact that a start has been made as to what regards downhill races in Cyprus and we are now in the process of making a “down town” style race and most likely to open a new downhill track at the highest peak of Cyprus, Mt Troodos. Of course every year a downhill race will be held at Oroklini DH track. This year it will be held on the 10th of April, 2011. Participation is open so if you find yourself in Cyprus by that time, come and race with us. For more info contact me at cyprusdownhill@hotmail.com

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View all race pictures here.


Video from the race taken by Cyprus Sports Channel:

Oroklini Downhill Race 2010

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Last but not least we were honored to have Steve Romaniuk and Chris Akrigg in Cyprus filming for Ride Guide. Those guys came at Oroklini DH track and they showed us how pros are ripping a DH track!!

Photos taken by Dave Silver - www.davesilverphoto.com and Emilia Hristova





View whole album here.

Overall the sport of downhill had started to attract more locals. Our aim for the next few years is to open more downhill race tracks according to UCI standards and hold an international event sometime in the future. But even if downhill is yet underdeveloped in Cyprus, there are other trails and routes which mountain bikers can ride and enjoy. With a good mountain bike, a rider can enjoy the magnificent trails the island has to offer in various mountains and after finishing riding he can enjoy the sun by the seaside! The weather here is most of the year sunny and warm. Overall Cyprus offers a combination of training and relaxing and it is worth visiting the island.

If you wish to visit the island and you want more info from locals regarding mountain biking then email me at cyprusdownhill@hotmail.com

For more info on Cyprus visit www.visitcyprus.com

Many thanks to:

Fenistal Ltd distributor of BERGAMONT BICYCLES

Cyprus Cycling Federation

Ride Guide TV

Dave Silver

Xtreme Cyprus

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation

Cyprus Sports Channel

Pinkbike

…and to all those who helped so far to bring downhill in Cyprus to the level it is today!

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