Cyprus Gran Fondo 2019 - Stage 2

​As the queen stage of the Cyprus Gran Fondo 2019, stage 2 takes you in places that you wouldn't go on a everyday ride! Unspoilt nature, isolated or ruined villages, vineyards, rough terrain, cobbles and of course long uphill sections! But as you know the scenery from above is wonderful, especially in this amazing route and Cyprus nature during spring. The highlight of the stage is the metal and wood bridge in Trozena village, a great structure if you considered the time when it was build!
The stage starts for all in front of Pafos castle and after a 15km neutralised section, the timing starts near Nikoklia village (flying start) and continuous along the river in Diarizos valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Cyprus.
After the small village of Kidasi you will escape from the main road and enter the old road towards the ruins of Trozena village. This is where you and your bike will be first tested, along a 2km rough terrain in the middle of this uphill section! Watch out for the small stones and you will not have any problems with the bike, but its just that additional friction on the rough terrain that will test your power and legs!
Once you have climbed and reached the top of the first long climb you will be already in the middle of the total distance. At 46 km you have a short flat and descending section where you can recover and get ready to tackle the next uphill towards Vasa village. Vasa is known for its tiny cobble stone roads passing through the village. These roads will be another test for you and the bike. Despite the roughness of the road the scenery and the ambience of this traditional village will take some of the tiredness away at least for a while. Vasa is also known for good wine production and of course the local Zivania (Tom don't stop for tasting!!!).
After 57km in the race, comes the hardest uphill of the day, the road from Omodos towards Agios Nicolaos through "kremmos tis Laonas" area. Once more going up will be a suffer but hey, take some time to look around, you are on the top! The scenery is great! On your right is Olympus the highest peak in Cyprus.
From km 60 onwards life is again beautyful and by now you understand again why you do this! Nice small village roads, traditional villages and most important lots of descending!
Please be careful, there are some sections with 180 degrees turns, narrow passings on Kedares village, and some really steep descents that will require extra caution.
You are again in Diarizos valley and from now on you only have in mind is the finish line in Kouklia and of course most importantly what you can find in the taverns after the finish line!
How to recover is subjective for each one of us! Some need a short ride, some a massage but some find that KEO beer helps the best! Its up to you, just be ready for the party in the night!