In 2024, I had the honor of representing Cyprus at the European Mountain Bike Championships in Cheile Grădiștei, Romania. The course was nothing short of amazing—demanding, technical, and incredibly fun to ride. However, the most challenging aspect wasn’t the terrain but the level of competition. Racing against some of the best athletes in Europe pushed me to my limits, both physically and mentally. Although I didn’t manage to finish, the experience was transformative. It taught me valuable lessons about preparation, resilience, and competing at an elite level. This event marked a turning point in my journey, fueling my determination to grow as an athlete and tackle even bigger challenges in the future.
In September 2024, I competed in the Enduro Greek Series held in Parnassos, Greece. The event followed a pure enduro format, and it was an exciting challenge. Along with two other riders from Cyprus, we traveled to Greece, where we spent two days practicing on the trails before race day. During those practice runs, I started setting some impressive times, which caught the attention of the Greek riders. It wasn’t until race day, though, that I truly made my mark. I managed to post the fastest times on the trails, ultimately winning the race. This victory made a big impression on the local Greek riders, who hadn’t expected a Cypriot to come out on top. It was an unforgettable moment and a proud achievement, proving that hard work, practice, and pushing yourself can lead to unexpected success.
In 2022, I was selected by Kona, the well-known bike company, as a grassroots rider for the Trans Enduro race in France. I was flown out to meet the Kona crew, which was an amazing experience. After meeting up, I drove 8 hours to the race venue, where I finally met my race partner, Tito Massi, for the first time.
The race itself was incredible—the trails were long, rocky, and challenging, much like the terrain I’m used to in Cyprus. Over three days of intense riding, the unpredictability of each stage kept me on my toes, testing my skills and endurance. In the end, all the hard work paid off. Tito and I managed to take the win, with the prize being a massive piece of cheese, which added a fun, memorable twist to an already unforgettable experience.
Every year, I have the opportunity to race alongside the national team in two major road cycling events in Greece: the International Tour of Hellas and the Tour of Rhodes. Although road racing isn’t my favorite discipline, I’ve come to appreciate its immense value as part of my training. These races push my endurance, strategy, and teamwork to new levels, offering lessons that carry over into my mountain biking career. Participating in these prestigious events is both challenging and rewarding, providing me with experiences that contribute to my growth as a well-rounded athlete.
Racing in Cyprus has been an incredible journey, and it’s where I’ve built the foundation of my cycling career. Over the years, I’ve earned more than five National Championship titles in the Men’s Elite category and another seven in the Junior categories. These victories span a range of disciplines, including Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Cross-Country Eliminator (XCE), Downhill (DHI), Road Race (RR), and Time Trial (TT). Competing across multiple disciplines has not only honed my versatility as an athlete but also deepened my appreciation for the sport. Each championship title represents countless hours of training, resilience, and a commitment to constantly push my limits. Racing on home soil will always hold a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of where my passion for cycling began.