Grand Fondo Delta Photos Nikos Karanikolas

Alexandroupolis’ Gran Fondo Delta international cycling race comes to an end with a spectacular finish

A beautiful route, high-class organisation, perfect weather conditions, and the rider’s passion and strong will were all put in the mix and brought unparallelly success to the first ever Gran Fondo Delta in Alexandroupolis. 

The international cycling event – co-organised by the Municipality of Alexandroupolis and Misc+ Sport Media – took place on Sunday, May 4th within the boundaries of the Municipality.

The high-level support of the Gran Fondo Delta organizers in key areas, such as catering, security, medical coverage and mechanical assistance, contributed to the successful holding of a demanding event, approved by the International (UCI) and the Hellenic (EOP) federations, in a region that hasn’t hosted an international cycling race for the past 27 years!

 

More than 110 athletes from seven countries competed in the two routes; the 130 km Gran Fondo and the 70 km Medio Fondo. In addition, dozens of young cyclists participated, along with their parents, in the children’s race on the coastal road of Alexandroupolis.

Mayor, Yiannis Zampoukis referred to the importance of holding a cycling race in Alexandroupolis:

“Citizens enjoyed a sports weekend, as after the night run on Saturday we welcomed an international cycling race.

We want to convey the message of building a sports’ society, with the use of alternative means of transportation and recreation.

I hope that actions like these will find even greater response and that we will experience a second Gran Fondo Delta next year.”

 

The race

The winner at the men’s Gran Fondo was decided in the final stretch. Lefteris Andronikidis was the one who had more gas left in the tank and crossed the finish line first in 3:34.21 with the city’s iconic Lighthouse in the background. Early leader Dionysis Douzas, trailed some four seconds behind Andronikidis

“It was a difficult race, flawlessly organised. I put great effort in the last metres and that effort paid off” said the Gran Fondo victor.

Katerina Eleftheriadou covered the 130 km route in 3:46.53. She was first among women and 17th overall.

The Gran Fondo riders started from Alexandroupolis, passed through Feres, Pylaia, the communities of Loutra, Pefki and Nipsa, the Industrial Area, Avantas, Kirki, Sykorrachi, Avra, Makri and Nea Chili and finished in Faros. Those who participated in the Medio Fondo completed their trek in Avantas.

In the shorter race, Dimitris Christodoulou emerged victorious in 1:50.28 in the men’s race and Bulgarian Jessica Chan comfortably won the women’s event in 1:56.47 – the third best time in the race!

“Everything was perfect. Fantastic job by the organisers, who had taken care of everything. It was not my first time in Greece. I have also taken part in other races. Next year I will try the 130 kilometers,” said the winner of the 70 km race.

The prizes to the winners were presented by the Mayor of Alexandroupolis, Yiannis Zampoukis, the Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity, Sports and Civil Protection, Elias Dasteridis, the 2004 Olympic triple jump medallist, Pigi Devetzhi and by Nancy Karalelekis, of the sponsoring company Karalelekis Mobility Solutions.

Full results here.