March 27th, 2010 – Brevet of Pyrgos

Three members of the GBI 2010 team (Fragkiskos Vellis, Manos Gkiokas, Costis Contopoulos) participated in the Brevet of Pyrgos, on March 27, 2010. Brevets are cycling events of non-competitive nature and long (200, 300, 400 or even more km) distances. The rules include time limits for completing the path and for reaching specific, intermediate control points. Furthermore, support cars and external help are prohibited.

The brevet of Pyrgos is a 200km event, covering in essence a tour of the Municipality of Ilia in Peloponnesus. The three friends moved (by car) on Friday afternoon from Athens to Pyrgos, stayed overnight in Pyrgos and started their adventure on Saturday morning. Along with many (around 80) other cyclists, many of them good friends with whom we train together during weekends in Athens, we covered the 200km. Riding through the beautiful mountains of the area, passing by the reservoir of the area with the magnificent scenery around it and through picturesque villages, the three friends enjoyed the route, while at the same time they tested their physical endurance and their mental strength, spending 8 ½ - 9 hours on their bikes (with just a few 10 minute stops).

Finishing back at Pyrgos town, on Saturday afternoon was followed by a celebration dinner of the team and their friends, a couple of drinks, some rest and the return to Athens on Sunday morning. The three members of the GBI 2010 team have now added on more important cycling experience on their record!