The idea for the Leros Cycling Club had been around for several years before its actual establishment. However, the climate and conditions were not conducive to its successful formation. In 2017, a friend joined the Hellenic Mountain Bike Federation, which participated in a project funded by Italian-Swiss Ernesto Hutmacher (owner of a cycling hotel in Tuscany) in collaboration with Island Hopping.
The project aimed to construct mountain trails in Leros and nearby islands, where Island Hopping also operates, transporting cyclists between various islands. In the first year, the project attracted about 25-30 people from all over Europe, including some Greeks (cyclists and photographers) who visited Leros through Island Hopping. They continued to maintain existing trails, photographed and filmed the trails, and built a strong relationship.
The venture was so successful that it was repeated the following year, with some participants leaving and others joining. As a result, a new, legal, and licensed trail was prepared, a rarity in Greece. In February 2017, two people from Leros and three from Kos were taken to Italy to participate in a trail construction and maintenance event held annually near Hutmacher’s hotel. This further strengthened their relationship and provided additional experience in trail construction and maintenance.
Following these experiences, the group decided to formalize their efforts by establishing an official organization. In 2018, the Leros Cycling Club became a reality. The club has since been active in various outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and climbing, with a primary focus on cycling, especially mountain biking. This is due to Leros’ limited road network, which restricts the development of road cycling.
The club began preparing a “network” of interconnected trails in the Patela area (the mountain above Katsouni). This location was chosen due to its unowned land, permits from the Forestry Department, and soil texture better suited for trail building. The goal is to create an attractive tourist product that extends the tourist season by constructing several kilometers of trails with varying degrees of difficulty while being resistant to weather conditions. The main issue they faced was “free” goats grazing in the area, which caused the trails to become dirty with stones and required more frequent cleaning.
In late 2019 to 2020, the club requested support from the Leros Municipality, which was granted, resulting in funds for signage and marking of existing and future routes. The municipality has continued to support the club, for which they are grateful. They also maintain a good relationship with Swiss bike center manufacturer Velosolutions, who were invited to provide a quote for a pump track in Gourna. The track would cater to cyclists and skateboarders, especially the island’s youth. The location in Gourna is ideal due to its central location, parking, restaurant, sports field, and playground. However, the project is costly, and funding is still being sought.
In May 2021, a large cycling company (EVOC) visited Leros and other islands (Kos, Leipsos, Nisyros) to photograph its products. This provided a great opportunity to promote the island, with the expectation that cyclists will visit not only during the high season but throughout the year due to favorable climate conditions.
The resident’s response to these activities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many enjoying weekend walks on the trails. Although the pandemic prevented races in 2020, the club hopes to host them in the future. Regarding tourism, the club offers trail tours to interested visitors, benefiting the island.
Additionally, in collaboration with the club, Fanouris Kontogiorgakis, a cycling coach and official judge, has established a bicycle academy catering to children aged 13 and under, from beginners to competitive levels.
In conclusion, the Leros Cycling Club has had a significant impact on the island, promoting outdoor activities, enhancing tourism, and fostering a strong sense of community among residents. As the club continues to grow and develop, they hope to expand its trail network, host cycling races, and create more opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Leros.
The club’s success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of its members and the support from the Leros Municipality and other partners. As the club moves forward, they remain committed to promoting physical and mental well-being, and in the spirit of cyclists everywhere, they encourage everyone to “always stay upright.”
Recommended trails:
https://www.alltrails.com/greece/leros/leros?ref=header
https://www.kinomap.com/v2/dashboard/profile/727145/videos
Chairman: George Boulafentis
Vice president: Fanouris Kontogiorgakis
Treasurer: Antonis Nikolaou
Secretary: Emmanuel Maleas
