Greece to Revive ‘Tour of Hellas’ International Cycling Race in 2022

The “International Tour of Hellas”, a significant global cycling event, will return to Greece in 2022 after a decade of absence, Deputy Culture and Sports Minister Lefteris Avgenakis announced on Tuesday.

“After more than 10 years, Greece will again welcome the creme-de-la-creme of international cycling during a significant event for the revival of the International Tour of Hellas, scheduled to take place from April 26 – May 1,” Avgenakis said.

According to the minister, the race will start from Crete with the participation of 170 athletes representing over 20 professional and national teams. It will then continue on to mainland Greece and wrap up at the finish line in Ioannina.

Parallel events scheduled to take place before, during and after the race will promote the benefits of cycling and encourage citizens to use bicycles as a safe, sustainable way to travel.

The project for the event’s revival has been undertaken by the newly established “Cycling Greece” organizing committee, which will also host the cycling events of 2023 and 2024.

Multiple tourism benefits

Apart from bringing world-class international athletes to Greece, the International Tour of Hellas is also expected to benefit the country’s tourism industry.

“The Ιnternational Tour of Hellas is a unique sports tourism and cultural event that will attempt to place Greece in the global scene of cycling,” Cycling Greece President Giorgos Leventakis said.

According to European Cycling Union President Enrico Della Casa, the race will also offer the opportunity to many professional high-level teams to cycle on Greek roads and mountains for five days.

“This will be a perfect opportunity to promote Greece’s natural beauty, tourism and culture, as well as the country’s long history,” he added.