Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009 kicks off Sunday

The international mountain biking games ''Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009'' kick off Sunday, February 22.

This year's Cyprus Sunshine Cup offers four rounds between the 22nd of February and the 15th of March.

One of the organizers, Michalis Hadjioannou, has told a press conference Tuesday that renowned cyclists from over 20 European countries and Brazil will participate in this year’s Cup.

''Most teams to participate this year consist of professionals. The athletes we expect are among the best in the world. These athletes not only have a high level but are the new generation of Mountain biking in the international arena”, he noted.

Participants include German cross – country cyclist Sabine Spitz, who won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Other athletes who will participate are 2007 world champion of Marathon Mountain Biking Petra Ηenzi, German champion Karl Platt, Austrian champion in men Christoph Soukoup and women Elizabeth Osl who finished 6th and 10th respectively at the Beijing Olympic Games, Czech champion Kulhavy Jaroslav, champion of Norway Lene Byberg, and of Sweden Alexanra Engen.

Michalis Hadjioannou said that the Cyprus Sunshine Cup “promotes Cyprus as a perfect mountain biking destination”, noting the great number of participants and the quality of the games.