Page 110 - AGC-Journal-2016

2016
GC JOURNAL
AGC JOURNAL 2016
A
Cycling

in Cyprus

By Captain ‘AJ’ Henry

The event encompasses a circumnavigation
of the Republic of Cyprus; over 500km over
4 days. This year Warrant Officer Class 2
Louise Wolstenholme and myself undertook
the challenge. The pace of the days were
primarily controlled, with designated
and general unpredictable terrain of deep sections of ‘free riding’ to allow the more
potholes and gullies. serious cyclists to stretch their legs.
Above Left: ‘AJ’ Henry tackling the climb of Troodos The first and second days were relatively
Above Centre: ‘AJ’ Henry taking in the view from the top of I was this year’s participant from the Corps flat along the southern coast, with only
Troodos and a novice to off road cycling. Our team
Above Right: ‘AJ’ Henry and Louise Wolstenholme take time out rolling hills, until after Paphos on day
on the road to Paphos consisted of Lieutenant Colonel Mark two. At this point the route turned inland,
Below Centre: Louise Wolstenholme celebrates completion of the Johnston-Ferguson Royal Engineers, Flight heading North through the Troodos
climb to Troodos Lieutenant James Farrington and myself. foothills, making this a little more
Starting off with high expectations, goals interesting.
were quickly reassessed two miles in with
As you may imagine there is the first puncture of the day, followed by a The third day was the ‘big’ day of the
event, dominated by the last 80km climb
further nine over the course of the event.
not a lot to complain about to the top of Troodos mountain. This
being assigned from Catterick Unfortunate mechanical mishaps aside the part was designated a free ride to enable
Mountain 2 Sea is a must for any cyclist
to Cyprus in mid February. on the island. Stunning vistas, the physical individuals to climb at their own pace.
The climb included a number of ascents of
For people who enjoy their and mental challenges and excellent varying difficulty. To give some perspective,
cycling, Cyprus is an all year camaraderie made this a thoroughly the toughest climbs in the Tour de France
enjoyable experience, which will be
are categorised as Hors Category (HC),
round paradise with solid repeated next year. reducing to Cat 1, Cat 2 down to 4. During
participation across the this climb there are a number of Cat 2 and
island. Two of the early year a highly emotional HC.
events are the Mountain 2 Sea Day four was the longest day of the event.
cross country cycle and the The day was steady, with the now routine
segments of free rides. The route back to
Cyprus Cycling Challenge, by Ayios Nikolaos took the ride through the
road. United Nations Protected Area and a real
privilege, past the abandoned Nicosia
Airport. Weary legs were glad to return
Mountain 2 Sea back to Ayios Nikolaos and the richly
deserved party at the end.
The Mountain 2 Sea is an annual cross
community event run by British Forces Summary
Cyprus, for forces personnel, their families
and civilians from the local community. These were highly challenging, but
The route takes the competitors, in supremely satisfying events, displaying
teams of three, 38 miles cross country the key aspect of Service life, Camaraderie,
from Troodos Camp, high in the Troodos passion and commitment to get the
mountains to Tunnel Beach, Episkopi. Cyprus Cycling Challenge job done. Congratulations to all who
The terrain is suitable for rugged hybrid completed the event.
or hard tail mountain bikes. The most This is the tenth year of the Ayios Nikolaos
challenging parts of the route are steep organised event. This year’s event saw
descents on gravel tracks from Troodos, approximately 90 competitors compete,
steep 30% inclines up to Omodos Village from UK based as well as local units.

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