The Turkish Cypriot Cycling Federation is organising the first international cycling ‘Tour of north Cyprus’ this month.

This is the first event of its kind in the region and will be held on February 19-21 under the slogan ‘Discover as you ride’. The federation held a press conference yesterday to brief the media on the group.

Board member Ogun Hamzaogullari said that they aimed to liven up cycling tourism and encourage the building of more cycling paths with this event, adding that it was a huge honour for them to host such an event in which seven other countries and 11 elite cycling teams would be participating.

The federation revealed that the tour would be three-part. The first part would be held on February 19 over 154km from Nicosia to Morphou (Guzelyurt) through to Myrtou (Camlibel) onto Livera (Sadrazamkoy) and back to Nicosia.

The second phase would be a harder tour over 168km from Nicosia to Famagusta, onto Trikomo (Iskele), Lefkoniko (Gecitkale), Ayios Ambrosios (Esentepe) back to Nicosia.

The last phase on February 21 will begin at Kyrenia Gate and encompass 60km around the city. A festival will be held after the event which will be open to the public.