Cyprus Sunshine Epic is one of the most historical mountain bike stage races in the world, held uninterruptedly since 1997!

The Cyprus Sunshine Epic courses take the riders through the mountainous Larnaca region, from the standalone Stavrovouni hill to the Macheras Forest  mountain range and its world-renowned singletrails! Great racing in spectacular routes combined with the unique, relaxed atmosphere of the event, together with the cypriot culture, traditions and hospitality, the race offers an authentic mountain biking experience for the participants.

Initially named "Afxentia", the race is held in honor of Gregoris Afxentiou, the independence struggle hero who was killed in 1957 on the very mountains that host the riders for four days! Stage 3 takes the riders up the "Arkatzi tou Klimatos" singletrail and past the hideout he gave his last battle.

After 23 years that the event was held as an individual race, in 2020 it followed the international stage race trend, converting to a couples team race. In its long history the event was contested by the best athletes in the World. From Mountain Bike legends Gunn Rita Dahle Flesjia, Sabine Spitz,  José Antonio Hermida and Jaroslav Kulhavy to the modern days' heroes Jolanda Neff, Annika Langvad, Anna Van Der Breggen, Kate Courtney, Henrique Avancini, Jan Skarnitzl, Lars Forster, Manuel Fumic and Ondrej Cink, the podiums of the event showcase the who's who of mountain biking! 

All these great athletes view it as the best opportunity for training in ideal weather conditions and in demanding but still improbable and scenic routes. After the long climb with beautiful vista views to the top of Macheras Mountains and the long Kionia to Profitis Elias singletrail, the dutch wonderboy Mathieu Van der Poel was converted to a mountain biker!!

"It was the most beautiful two hours I ever spent on the bike"!

Mathieu van der Poel after winning the second stage of the race in 2016

While some of the best athletes of the sport choose the Cyprus Sunshine Epic to kick start their season, the very ingredients that draw them year after year, are those that make it perfect for amateur riders to challenge themselves: Carefully designed courses with amazing singletrails and views, laid-back atmosphere and great hospitality, Cyprus culture and awesome gastronomic feasts. 

Check out the event's website for more details.