Better way forward
There were colourful scenes across the TRNC as cyclists from nearly two dozen countries pedalled their way to competition glory. But Chief Reporter KEREM HASAN learned of attempts to prevent the International North Cyprus Cycling Tour taking place.
A THREE-day cycling event bringing competitors to North Cyprus from around the world was the target of a failed Greek Cypriot sabotage attempt, organisers have revealed to Cyprus Today.
Defying determined efforts by the South to stop them taking part, 160 riders from 20 countries were cheered on by thousands of spectators as they competed in the third International North Cyprus Cycling Tour which finished on Sunday.
“The Greek Cypriot-run Cyprus Cycling Federation undertook intense lobbying in its attempt to stop the cycling federations of participating countries from competing,” said president of the North Cyprus Cycling Federation Ekin Adademir.
“When they were unsuccessful in achieving that, they then lobbied for our TRNC tour to be held under their [South Cyprus] banner.
“We are pleased that the federations of the 20 countries did not listen to the South and kept politics out of sport.”
Cyclists pedalled for a total of $10,000 in prize money as they tackled the 380km route, while some 300 volunteers acted as stewards and marshals to ensure the race was largely problem-free.
Riders from countries including Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Turkey and the TRNC were all competing, while members of the public were also urged to adopt pedal power for a special event under the slogan “Grab Your Bike And Come”.
“This year there were many firsts compared to the previous years,” said Mr Adademir.
“Cyclists this year passed through the historic inner walls of Gazimağusa and near Salamis ruins. They passed through villages such as İskele and Dikmen.
“We succeeded in bringing the sport into our communities and therefore to our public.
“It was a truly remarkable achievement, enabling the cyclists to experience an authentic feel of our history, past civilisations and cultures along with the sights of our beautiful North Cyprus.”
Mr Adademir said partly cloudy conditions and moderate temperature had been “perfect” for the event, and there had already been “excellent feedback” from participants who all said they would like to take part again next year.
“The event is one of the most important sports events for North Cyprus and it is not just about cycling. It does a great deal to promote our country
and its tourist attractions while locally it inspires people to live healthier lives though cycling and sport.
“For years we have been accustomed to going everywhere in our cars, which is a bad habit. We should be walking and cycling as part of our daily lives.”
Asked about the most memorable aspects of the tour, Mr Adademir said: “The three-day event saw thousands line the roads, cheering and roaring in support as the cyclists raced past them.
“Spectators are the life blood of every sport and we hope that there will be even more next year.”
Held under the auspices of the Presidency, with contributions from the Sports Department, the tour was broadcast to millions of TV viewers by Euronews — which is watched by some 3.3 million people a day — Turkish state TV’s TRT Sport channel and the TRNC’s BRT, among others.
The first of the three days that took competitors past the Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks of Lefkoşa, Girne and Gazimağusa, over the summit of the Five Finger mountains and through a range of scenic areas, last Friday’s stage was started by Girne Mayor Nidai Güngördü.
The second stage, last Saturday, was the first time the event had seen a Çatalköy start — to the delight of mayor Mehmet Hulusioğlu, who signalled the start along with Turkish and TRNC cycling officials.
Sunday’s third day featured a Gran Fondo race for TRNC sports cyclists, a Bike Festival with a range of activities and the public event, flagged away by President Mustafa Akıncı, before Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman got the final Criterium stage of the competition under way.
Describing the significance of the event, Mr Akıncı said: “The North Cyprus cycling tour has immense importance because it greatly contributes to the recognition of our country.”
Dr Erhürman said: “This fantastic event is an answer to those who think North Cyprus is not capable of hosting international tournaments.”
Joining Dr Erhürman, Lefkoşa Mayor Mehmet Harmancı and cyclists of all ages for the 1.5km public event Health Minister Filiz Besim said the event would “encourage people to cycle in their day-to-day lives”.
First lady Meral Akıncı hailed pedal power as providing “an alternative to traffic problems”, while Mr Harmancı congratulated organisers for an event he described as “nothing short of fantastic”.
Three days of fierce competition ended with John Bozic, of Slovenia’s Adria Mobil team, crowned the overall winner, with team-mate Gasper Katrasnik second. Third was Cristian Raileanu, of Turkey’s Torku Şekerspor.
Adria Mobil won the team classification, followed by Torku Şekerspor and Monkey Town of Holland in third.