Gran Fondo Cyprus with Sportive Breaks
The Gran Fondo Cyprus offers early season riding in one of Europe’s best cycling locations. Take part in this 3 day Gran Fondo with 3 varied stages on Friday 31 March, Saturday 1 April and Sunday 2 April 2023.
The Gran Fondo Cyprus is a qualifying event for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Glasgow. By the end of each stage of the race, the first 20% athletes of each Age Category from a Combined Classification of the EXPERT and SPORTIVE Groups will be awarded with guaranteed entry to the Gran Fondo World Championships in Glasgow and be able to race for the World Champion title and the Rainbow Jersey.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
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Three great Gran Fondo stages: Perfectly planned and secure stages across three days.
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Cyprus is great for cycling: Smooth, quiet roads, low traffic and nice weather. We will stay in some of the nicest hotels in Paphos.
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Qualify for Glasgow 2023: The 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships take place in Glasgow. The first 20% in each Age Group will qualify for Glasgow. Get up to 3 opportunities to qualify on Stage 1, 2 or 3.
What's Included
Additional Extras
Gran Fondo Cyprus
The Gran Fondo Cyprus has takes place during the first weekend of April 2023. This will be the 9th consecutive year for the event takes place. As you can qualify at all 3 stages of the Gran Fondo Cyprus, the event provides the perfect opportunity for recreational riders to qualify for the World Gran Fondo Championships that will be held in Glasgow in August 2023. Starting every day near Paphos on the Mediterranean coast, you will climb some of the nicest mountains of the island and pass through traditional and rustic villages. Enjoy the Cyprus weather and nature, before returning back to some of the best hotels in Paphos to enjoy your off-the-bike time!
Choose from two ride options during the weekend; Expert and Sportive. The EXPERT group is aimed at riders who -beyond the participation –are looking to measure up their best performance against other riders who share the same goals.
The SPORTIVE group appeals to any rider who through their participation in this event are looking to experience the wonderful Cyprus nature in spring, explore new places and new destinations in Cyprus, socialize with other cyclists and to share their passion for cycling with hundreds of other cycling enthusiasts. Participants in the Sportive group still be timed at the finish line of each route and will be included at the award ceremonies for each stage.
Sportive Group
- Stage 1 on Friday 31 March – 54km/ 780m ascent
- Stage 2 on Saturday 1 April – 96km/ 1600m ascent
- Stage 3 on Sunday 2 April – 54km/ 1435 ascent
Expert Group
- Stage 1 on Friday 31 March – 20.6km/240m ascent (Individual Time Trial)
- Stage 2 on Saturday 1 April – 96km/ 1600m ascent
- Stage 3 on Sunday 2 April – 54km/ 1435 ascent
Itinerary
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30th March 2023 : Arrival day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive at our hotel or meet us at Paphos Airport. We will run several airport transfers throughout the day. Please allow an hour from your flight landing time to your transfer time, to allow you to get through passport control and collect your luggage. The transfer takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic.
What about my bike?
You can bring your own bike as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our airport transfers. Alternatively, you can rent a bike with us for the weekend. Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with fitting your rental bike or building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel. If you rented a bike with us, it’s available today.
This evening enjoy the evening meal at the hotel
31st March 2023 : Stage 1 and ITT
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Short Route | 20.6km | 240m |
1/5
A flat or short easy day.
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Medium Route | 54km | 780m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one main climb.
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Breakfast followed by Stage 1 for the Sportive riders and the ITT for the Expert riders.
09:30 Start of Stage 1 for the SPORTIVE/ Start Area at Pafos Castle
11:00 Start of Stage 1 for the EXPERT*/ Start at Kouklia Village
For the ITT the final start list will be announced the night before and riders must be present at the start line 15 mins before their starting time
18:00 Award ceremony for Stage 1 at Annabelle Ballroom, Annabelle Hotel
This afternoon you are free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and we will have the evening meal together at the hotel.
1 April 2023 : Stage 2
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Long Route | 96km | 1600m |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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Early breakfast at the hotel
09:20 Start of Stage 2 for the EXPERT/ Start Area at Pafos Castle
09:25 Start of Stage 2 for the SPORTIVE/ Start Area at Pafos Castle
18:00 Award ceremony for Stage 2 at Annabelle Ballroom, Annabelle Hotel
Evening meal at your hotel
2 April 2023 : Stage 3
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
---|---|---|---|
Short Route | 54km | 1435m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional climb.
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Early breakfast at the hotel
08:20 Start of Stage 3 for the EXPERT/ Start Area at Pafos Castle
08:25 Start of Stage 3 for the SPORTIVE/ Start Area at Pafos Castle
15:00 Light meal and award ceremony for Stage 3 and general classification at Pafos Castle (subject to change according to weather conditions)
Evening meal at your hotel
3 April 2023 : Departure
Time to say goodbye to Cyprus. We offer airport transfers throughout the day.
Sportive Options
What makes Cyprus such a great place for spring cycling? The road surfaces are as good as Mallorca but with almost no traffic. The terrain is mixed with long climbs, rolling hills and flat rides by the coast. And of course this is one of the warmest climates in Europe with temperatures in the low 20s from Feb and 325 sunny days per year.
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
---|---|---|---|
Short Route | 20.6km | 240m |
1/5
A flat or short easy sportive.
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Medium Route | 54km | 780m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one tough section.
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Long Route | 96km | 1600m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional tougher section.
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Medium Route | 54km | 1435m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one tough section.
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Accommodation
Aliathon Resort
Kato Paphos, Cyprus
The Aliathon Resort offers a unique philosophy that guides everything we do and ensures a home away from home for all of our future generations. Established in 1992 with the opening of 52 apartments, the Aliathon has now grown into a holiday resort with a total capacity of 459 rooms/apartments and suites and an extensive and enticing array of services and facilities. Aliathon was the dream of five brothers and sisters, the Philippides family. Today ownership remains with their families who have a stronger than ever commitment to offer a superior service and a personal touch oriented to the traditional Cypriot culture and green environment. With a wealth of experience and an enviable reputation for quality of service, Aliathon Resort will guarantee customer satisfaction and excellent service ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Athena Beach Paphos
Gran Fondo Cyprus
The Athena Beach Hotel, having been lavishly renovated and generously upgraded with even more facilities, proudly offers the guests a superb standard of service and comfort, equivalent to those of a luxurious 5-star hotel. The hotel is situated directly on the beach in Kato Paphos, a pleasant walk away from the picturesque harbour, the archaeological sites, the shops and the nightlife. A bus stop is found just outside the hotel and taxis are always available. Parking in the hotel car park is free for guests. The resort is conveniently situated within easy driving distances from the island’s two International airports, just 15 km away from Paphos and 140 km from Larnaca. As an added bonus for golf lovers, there are four super golf courses easily accessible by car. The luxurious rooms and suites boast spacious balconies and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Mediterranean Sea or of the hotel’s colourful gardens; as for the amenities, they include, among many more, deluxe beds, complimentary high speed Wi Fi and safety deposit box, satellite TV, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee making facilities, an espresso machine, mineral water (on arrival) ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay for our guests. In addition, the Athena Beach Hotel offers an exclusive zone dedicated to adults (over 16 years), comprising of a separate pool, sunbathing area and a swim-up ‘Adult Pool Bar’. The leisure facilities feature 4 external, freshwater swimming pools (one of which is dedicated to adults) and 2 paddling pools, an indoor pool (heated Nov–Apr), indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis. In addition, the completely new Oasis Splash was created for endless hours of interactive and safe play for children of all ages; as well as the existing 25m long waterslide, it offers an extra, new waterslide 42m long with separate landing pools and a nearby colourful splash pad with spray toys, guaranteeing infinite fun for our younger guests. Floodlit tennis court, a 24-rink indoor and outdoor Bowls Green. The hotel’s Elixir Spa is the place to head for a perfectly relaxing escape. It features a heated pool, 2 saunas, 2 steam baths, a fully equipped gym and a hairdressing salon. Indulge in a tempting array of professional massages, aromatherapy and body treatments, aromatherapy to sooth and rejuvenate you. There is no better way to end the day other than a relaxing sundowner before savouring some fine dining at the hotel’s restaurants or an exclusive and very romantic candlelit dinner!
Amphora Hotel & Suites
Gran Fondo Cyprus
This exclusive new hotel offers unobstructed views of the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean and the picturesque fishing harbour and Medieval Castle. Set on the idyllic beachfront location of the former SODAP Winery, Amphora Hotel is a rejuvenating, inspiring and serene haven of contemporary elegance that will awaken your senses. One of the highlights of this perfectly situated hotel is the exquisite accommodation offered, comprising of 95 Luxury Suites, spacious Superior Rooms and a 3 Bedroom Villa; the majority of which offer magnificent and unobstructed views of the azure Mediterranean waters and Paphos castle. The upgraded and inviting rooms offer breathtaking views of the enchanting sunset or the landscaped gardens, while underlining comfort and a “home away from home” sensation. Thoughtful amenities combined with elegant furniture and lighting create the ideal ambiance to feel completely at home. Amphora Hotel houses a restaurant, lounge bar and seasonal pool bar. Recreational facilities include a gymnasium while the landscaped gardens surround the kidney-shaped swimming pool and the children’s pool. The hotel enjoys a prime location, just 10’ drive from Paphos International Airport, 7’ walk from the historical castle and harbour, and 20’ drive from the local golf courses. The lively atmosphere of the area offers a wide range of facilities, shops, bars, restaurants, nightlife and attractions.
Airport Transfers
Included with your trip are a meet and greet service and airport transfers from Paphos airport to our hotels for you, your luggage and your bike.
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences Group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team hello@dev.sportivebreaks.com