Already in the 2.8 kilometer long starting lap of the men's race, Sebastian Carabin (BEL/Merida-Wallonie) and Stephane Tempier (FRA/BH-Sr Suntour-KMC) tear a gap to the chasers Grant Ferguson (British National Team) and Maxime Marotte (FRA/BH-Sr Suntour-KMC).

However, Tempier suffers a rear wheel defect on the first complete 5.6-kilometer lap. This meant that Carabin was suddenly involuntarily alone at the front.
"That wasn't the plan. But once I had the lead, I decided to go full gas," explained Carabin at the finish. Of course, this is a handicap on the open and windy terrain between the ruins of Amathous.

Behind him, Marotte waits briefly for his teammate after he has swapped the rear wheel and then they take up the chase. They catch up with Grant Ferguson, who later drops further back, and then work together to catch Carabin.

With two laps to go, the time has come. They reach Carabin, leave the tiring Belgian behind and quickly increase their lead. On the last lap, it came down to a showdown between the two compatriots.
"I attacked on the first climb and then gave it my all," said Tempier, explaining how he rode to victory. "My legs were very good and it's a great start to the season, I'm very happy. The days in Cyprus were perfect for me."

Countryman Maxime Marotte crossed the finish line 16 seconds later. "I had problems at the start and then got stuck between the chasers. But then it got better and better when I was together with Stephane. I felt very good. He was stronger in the end, but after having to take antibiotics this week, I can be very satisfied," commented Marotte. He had to take the medication because of an inflammation in his finger.

Carabin also has reason to smile. "I didn't expect this. I felt very strong, but I lost a lot of energy in the wind alone. Nevertheless, I leave Cyprus with a very good feeling. I like these old-school routes with longer climbs," said Carabin after finishing the 30.8 kilometers.He finished second in the overall classification of the Cyprus Sunshine Cup behind Tempier and ahead of Jan Skarnitzl (CZE/Sram Mitas Trek), who missed the fast French train due to a puncture on the first lap. Nevertheless, it was still enough for fourth place after he was able to distance Karl Markt (AUT/Haibike-Ötztal) on the penultimate lap and relegate him to fifth place. He finishes third in the overall Cup standings.

Terpstra crashes and loses the overall victory
When Lisi Osl (AUT/Ghost Factory Racing) takes the lead in the women's race on the first lap and leaves Olympic champion Julie Bresset (FRA/BH-Sr Suntour-KMC) and Anne Terpstra (NED/Habitat MTB Team) behind and rides 25 seconds ahead, everything seems set for a victory for the overall World Cup winner of 2009.

No one expects Nathalie Schneitter (SUI/Rose-Vaujany) to win. She was already 45 seconds behind in the second chasing group. But as the racers enter the third lap, everything begins to shift.
Schneitter catches up with Janka Keseg-Stevkova (SVK/Outsiterz Cycling Team) and the fading Bresset and passes them. On the last climb of the third lap, she also catches Terpstra and passes the Dutchwoman.

Only eight seconds behind Osl, Schneitter starts the last lap and has the mental advantage on her side as the pursuer. Shortly before a climb, the 2004 junior world champion reaches her rival and before the singletrail climb begins, she attacks.
She touches Osl and she has to hit the grass. This clears the way for Schneitter's first victory in Amathous.
"That's racing, she had her hands on the handlebars, so that's okay. I would probably have done the same in such a situation because I would have wanted to pass before the climb," said Osl, taking a sporting view of the situation.

Despite this, Schneitter apologizes as they both finish the 25.2 kilometers. "I expected it to be difficult in the start loop and the first lap because I've been training a lot this week. You're just not that fresh. I had to be patient and then it got better and better. In the end, I really had the steam," explains Nathalie Schneitter.
"It's unexpected, but it's great to get a win in the second race for the new team."

Anne Terpstra also passes Lisi Osl. After passing her on the final climb, the Dutch champion made a mistake and crashed on the final downhill. "Lisi was able to overtake again. But I didn't expect such a result because I couldn't do any off-road training all week due to a cut in my hand. That's why I'm very happy with my third place," said Terpstra.

However, the crash has another effect. As a result, Anne Terpstra loses the overall standings of the Cyprus Sunshine Cup to Nathalie Schneitter, who gets the orange jersey, among the ruins of ancient Amathous.

Lisi Osl has a scrape on her elbow, but draws a satisfied conclusion. "I think I still missed the racing hardness. I've only been back on the bike for two weeks, after a lot of training in the snow," she comments on her performance. "My plan today was not to overdo it, but to go fast and see how long it lasts," said the Austrian champion.

30 different nations and lots of positive feedback
The bottom line is that athletes from 30 different nations took part in the Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2015, which is very close to the record of 31. "That proves the international appeal," said Mike Hadjioannou in his summary. The head of the organizing agency Bikin' Cyprus receives a lot of positive feedback for the two weekends.
"The riders were also thrilled that we were able to ride a race here again against the backdrop of the archaeological site. I'm delighted that we had such a positive conclusion to the Cyprus Sunshine Cup and thank my team for the smooth cooperation," says Hadjioannou.

He also refers to the many encouraging comments from the athletes about their stay in Cyprus. "It is of course important for us and our partner, the Cyprus Tourism Organization, to hear this. I hope the athletes will become good ambassadors for our island after their experience," said Hadjioannou.

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