Cyprus for Sport – set your goals right!
“The variety of cycling routes in Cyprus was an enormous benefit to both elites and beginners. Something for everybody” Hugh McAtamney ex President of the Irish Triathlon Association

A warm welcome awaits you on the island for all seasons. Set in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, this paradise of unspoiled beauty has woven a rich tapestry dating back 10,000 years. Located as it is at a crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus over the centuries as been much sought after. Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians, Ottomans, Romans and British have all left their trace upon the mosaic, which today forms the face of contemporary Cyprus.

Over the last few years Cyprus has established itself as one of the most preferred sports training destinations. The high level infrastructure and wide range of up to date sports facilities, the consistent high quality of service, the temperate climate and short distances between city, sea and mountains are all factors that bring hundreds of high performance athletes from a variety of sports to Cyprus every year to train successfully for major international events. During 2004 numerous teams from around the globe chose Cyprus as the place to prepare for the Olympic Games.

Climatic Conditions
Conditions for training in Cyprus are ideal, as temperatures range between 10 and 25 degrees Celcius from November to April with low rainfall and sunny days.

Triathlon
To rise to the challenge of this demanding sport, athletes can train in any of the fully equipped stadiums in ideal climatic conditions throughout the island. The terrain varies so one can swiftly pass from flat, earth tracks to soft hills and good quality tarmac road surfaces with little traffic. For more details on triathlon training one should read the sections about swimming, cycling and athletics.

Swimming
In all the main cities on the island Olympic sized swimming pools are being provided giving lots of choice. The range of top class swimming pool facilities in Cyprus include 25m and 50m open air, heated pools of 8-10 lanes. Supplementary equipment, underwater viewing and filming windows are also on offer. To complete the picture some of the Olympic swimming pools are furnished with fully equipped weights facilities. Various national swimming teams have trained in Cyprus including the Swedish and British. If one wishes to improve their open water swimming the warm, calm, crystal clear waters around Cyprus are very suitable. Due to the location of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea one rarely has to battle high waves.

Cycling
The Mediterranean climate of Cyprus makes it possible to explore its truly breathtaking beauty all year around and ensures an unforgettable biking experience. Temperatures range between 10 and 25 degrees celcius during the months of November to April and annual rainfall is low.

Whether exploring the pine scented tracks in the heart of the Troodos and Macharias Mountains, the many wild nature trails or the sea washed rocky ground of the ground of the Akamas peninsula Cyprus is a haven for cyclists. The terrain varies within short distances. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and in its many picturesque villages, away from the city bustle you will be met with warm hospitality, traditional to these areas. The extensive amount of quiet well serviced roads on the island serve as a great attraction for top class road cyclists and triathletes.

Athletes belonging to the Irish, Dutch and British Olympic teams, the Belgian National team, as well as other top athletes have chosen Cyprus for their winter training.

“Cyprus is the ideal place to train. I feel at home. The climatic conditions here are ideal and this helps me prepare appropriately for this most important season with the Athens Olympics as a goal” Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium) World Champion

Cyprus is the ideal place for cyclists of all disciplines. The Cyprus Cycling Federation, a member of the International Cycling Union, organises local road races, international mountain biking races and other competitions. A number of bike centres operate in Cyprus offering rental service, route information, guide assistance and support for organised groups.

Running
Each city in Cyprus has a number of running tracks which are ideal for speed work however if one is focusing on endurance the mountain trails or quiet roads are ideal. The mild spring sunshine in Cyprus makes those gruelling long runs less daunting and with so many scenic routes one may find themselves appreciating the beauty and tranquillity on offer.

Terrain Diversity within short distances
The terrain diversity and short distances between such different locations are a big attraction for any multi sports athlete. The serene shores of the island are within an hours drive from the fresh air of the mountains.

“As afar as the facilities are concerned we did not encounter any problems as there is a 25m swimming pool and hills for cycling […] and there is not much traffic on the roads[...] This is where we set the foundations for the gold medal in Sydney” Brigitte McMahon (Switzerland) Sydney Olympics 2000 Gold Medalist


Accommodation
Cyprus offers athletes a wide choice of hotel accommodation of the highest standards at affordable prices. A large number of luxurious hotels provide fully equipped fitness centres. Health spas throughout the island are staffed with qualified personnel and provide the ideal setting to relax, away from the demands of training and major competition.

For more details about Triathlon training in Cyprus please contact Shay Bollard in the Cyprus Tourism Organisation office in Dublin on 01-6629269 or email cyprustourism@eircom.net or log onto www.visitcyprus.com


Cyprus Villages Bike Centre
7740 Tochni
Tel: +357 24 332998, Fax: +357 24 332295
Website: www.cyprus-villages.com
E-mail: agrotourismo@cytanet.com.cy
Thomas Wegmueller Sstw Ltd
Hawaii Grand and Resort, Lemesos
Tel./Fax: +357 25 634093
Mobile: +357 99 666200
E-mail: wegmueller@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.BikeCyprus.com

The Aliathon Holiday Village Bike Centre
Poseidonos Ave., P.O. Box 62303, 8063 Pafos
Tel: +357 26 964400, Fax: +357 26 964700
Website: www.aliathonvillage.com
E-mail: aliathon@logos.cy.net

Jalos Activ
P.O. Box 66198, 8831 Pafos
Tel: +357 26 322416, Fax: +357 26 322231
E-mail: jalos.activ@cytanet.com.cy

Aldiana
ZypernBike Aldiana
7572 Alaminos, Larnaka district
Tel: +357 24 849105, Fax: +357 24 849033
Website: www.zypernbike.de
E-mail: zypernbike@gmx.de

Bike Trek Cyprus
Poseidon Avenue, Pafos.
Tel/Fax: 00357-26-913676
Email: info@biketrekcyprus.com
Website: www.biketrekcyprus.com