Nicosia Gravel Adventure

The Nicosia Gravel Adventure is the closing round of the Cyprus Gravel Bike Series, bringing the island's gravel scene to the countryside around its capital. Now in its second edition, it is a timed ride with results, but the organisers are clear that the word race should not scare anyone off: the idea is to take it easy, enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the day.

Riders choose between the longer Macheras route, with real climbing, and the shorter Foothill loop, both on a mix of terrain with wide views over the countryside around Nicosia. Routes are unsigned and followed on a GPS device, with feed stations doubling as checkpoints.

It is run by Activate Cyprus, the team behind the Bedrock Gravel Festival in Tochni, who have been building a gravel series to show riders a different side of the island. The day ends the way a local gravel event should, with music, beer and food back at the finish.