Megalopolis Gravel Classic, ??????????, 26/4/2025. (C) 2025 Nassos Triantafyllou / CYCLINGPHOTOS.GR (Megalopolis Gravel Classic, ??????????, 26/4/2025. (C) 2025 Nassos Triantafyllou / CYCLINGPHOTOS.GR, ASCII, 109 components, 109 byte (Megalopolis Grav
Vasilis Anastopoulos: “Megalopolis has something to say to the cycling world – and it’s starting to say it loud”
The Megalopolis Gravel Classic 2026, set for April 25–26 in Megalopolis, returns with greater ambitions and a strong international outlook. Co-organizer Vasilis Anastopoulos highlights this year’s upgrades, the participation of cycling legend Paolo Bettini, and a new connection between Arcadia and Tuscany.
Following a highly successful debut in 2025, this year’s event comes back more mature and better organized. “Megalopolis has something to say to the cycling world,” Anastopoulos notes.
The headline announcement is the participation of Paolo Bettini, Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion. Rather than appearing as a guest of honor, Bettini will actively compete in the 100 km route, offering participants the rare opportunity to ride alongside a global cycling icon.
His presence also marks the beginning of a partnership with GeoGravel Tuscany – Le Strade Grigie, strengthening the event’s international profile and linking Arcadia with Tuscany through shared gravel cycling values.
The event features four routes for all levels: a demanding 100 km race, a 50 km intermediate route, a 25 km scenic ride around Lake Trapezounta, and a 5 km City Ride through Megalopolis.
Beyond racing, the event emphasizes a broader experience, including a Bike Expo, technical briefings, live music, and activities showcasing local culture and gastronomy.
Held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization, the event is organized by “Cities for Cycling” in cooperation with the Municipality of Megalopolis and the Hellenic Cycling Federation. It is part of the Greek Gravel Challenge series, promoting sustainable cycling tourism in Greece.
The event has also gained international exposure, recently showcased at a major cycling tourism exhibition in Padua, Italy, attracting strong global interest.
“What participants will experience here is something unique,” Anastopoulos concludes, inviting cyclists to take part in an event that blends sport, nature, and culture.
Info & registrations: www.gravelchallenge.gr | info@gravelchallenge.gr | +30 210 2016500
Source:
Interview Editing / Curation:
Giorgos Koulouras, Journalist,
President of the Union of Regional Press Editors
Giorgos Stathis, Journalist,
Member of the Union of Regional Press Editors,
Member of CITIES FOR CYCLING
