Thousands of cycling enthusiasts participate in Cycling Tour of Athens

ATHENS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of cyclists took part in the 25th Cycling Tour of Athens on Sunday aiming to promote the urban cycling in the city and raise awareness on the positive aspects of cycling.

Organized by the Athens Municipality's Cultural, Sport & Youth Organization (OPANDA), the Athens' top sporting event for cycling every year attracts the interest of thousands of Athenians and visitors.

In two separate routes -- the 13 kilometers' race and the 3.5 kilometers' race for children and people with disabilities, cyclists enjoyed the race passing through the city center to reach the finish line at Syntagma Square.

For the first time, visitors had also the opportunity to watch a unique spectacle, the first Folding Challenge, a fun bicycle race just for folding bikes.

In addition, many women grabbed their bikes for the special Skirt Ride through the streets of Athens in an attempt to encourage more women to cycle and to do it in style.

During the Athens Bike Weekend that run on April 28 and 29 in the city center, bike enthusiasts had the opportunity to learn all about bikes and the latest bicycle trends.

Organizers and participants stressed that bicycles are an important means of transport for cities with additional advantages, since they are ecological and contributive to people's physical activity. Enditem