Mountain Bike Lovers to Meet for the Kythera MTB Challenge

Photo source: Kythira MTB Challenge.

Mountain bike fans will be meeting on the Greek island of Kythira on April 1 to participate in the Kythira Bike Challenge 2023.

Organized by the Kytherian Foundation for Culture & Development in collaboration with the Hellenic Cycling Federation and made possible with the support of volunteers, the Kythira Mountain Bike Challenge includes the 74km Kythera Challenge for elite and master riders and two shorter courses: the 33km Kythera X-Pert and 19km Kythera Fun.

Photo source: Kythira MTB Challenge.

All races start at 11am on the main square of Potamos village and finish there also. Event organizers said the event will give cyclists a chance to discover the island by bike as well as Kythera’s 182 kilometers of mountain cycling routes, which are being developed by the Kytherian Foundation for Culture & Development as part of efforts to promote the island as an adventure tourism destination.

Among others, the aim is to create an integrated network of individual, inter-connected and circular mountain bike courses for all levels. The routes are also meant to complement to the network of Kythera trails, canyoning and climbing options.

Photo source: Kythira MTB Challenge.

The first Kythira Bike Challenge was organized in 2018. Greek champion cyclists will be participating in this year’s event. The courses for the April 1 MTB event will include changing terrains including asphalt, cement, dirt roads, cobblestone, gravel and steps.

Organizers hope the event will pave the way for more similar sports happenings on the island attracting travelers interested in adventure, sports and alternative tourism.

Photo source: Kythira MTB Challenge.

Find out more about this year’s Kythira Bike Challenge here.

Meanwhile, event organizers offer transfer of bikes from the port. There are bicycle sales, rental and repair shops in the village of Potamos, as well as a mountain bike academy for adults and young children. Bicycle activities take place across the island throughout the year.