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Greece 06 May – 10 May 2026 Class 2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website https://www.hellas-tour.gr/portal/en/
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
For the 2026 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, Luxembourg is represented by a standout rider competing for the Austrian continental squad, Hrinkow Advarics.
Loïc Bettendorff
The primary Luxembourgish interest in this race is Loïc Bettendorff. He has had an active start to the tour:
- Current Performance: As of Stage 2 (May 7, 2026), Bettendorff has been highly visible. During the live action between Karpenisi and Larissa, he was part of the lead breakaway group and is currently contending for a high position in the General Classification.
- Role: Riding for Hrinkow Advarics, he is one of their key riders for rolling and hilly terrain.
The 2026 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas (International Tour of Greece) is currently in full swing! It returned for its fifth consecutive edition on May 6, 2026, and is set to conclude this Sunday in the heart of Athens.
Since today is Thursday, May 7, the riders are currently tackling Stage 2 from Karpenisi to Larissa.
2026 Stage Program (May 6 – 10)
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Type |
| Stage 1 | May 6 | Ioannina → Agrinio | 171.6 km | Rolling |
| Stage 2 | May 7 | Karpenisi → Larissa | 157.5 km | Mountainous |
| Stage 3 | May 8 | Volos → Lamia | 207.3 km | Hilly / Longest |
| Stage 4 | May 9 | Atalanti → Parnitha (Mount Parnitha) | 180.9 km | Summit Finish |
| Stage 5 | May 10 | Piraeus → Athens (Syntagma Square) | 146.5 km | Urban / Flat |
Race Highlights & Status
- Current Leader: Following his victory in Stage 1, Mathis Avondts (Azerion / Villa Valkenburg) currently wears the leader’s blue jersey. He beat Greek favorite Georgios Bouglas in a tight sprint finish yesterday.
- The “Queen Stage”: Stage 3 (tomorrow) is particularly brutal, featuring over 4,200 meters of elevation gain as the race moves from the coast of Volos into the mountains toward Lamia.
- The Grand Finale: The race concludes on Sunday with a ceremonial yet fast-paced finish in front of the Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square.
Where to Watch
For the first time, the race is being broadcast live on national television via ERT2 Sports and streaming on the ERTFLIX platform. You can also find live timing and “as-it-happens” updates on the official site: www.hellas-tour.gr.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Spot on! Loïc Bettendorff of Luxembourg (riding for Hrinkow Advarics) has indeed secured the Mountains Classification (King of the Mountains) at the 2026 Tour of Hellas (ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas).
It was a stellar performance for the 25-year-old, who showcased his climbing strength across the Greek landscape.
The ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas (International Tour of Greece) has a fascinating “stop-and-start” history, evolving from a local tribute to ancient monuments into a high-level UCI 2.1 stage race.
1. The Early Years (1968–1980s)
- The “Antiquities Trophy”: The race was first held in 1968 as the International Antiquities Trophy. It was the brainchild of Nikos Kapsokefalos, who wanted to create a Greek version of the Tour de France that highlighted the country’s archaeological heritage.
- The Route: The inaugural race ran from Athens to Delphi, passing iconic sites like Olympia and Marathon. Danish rider Gerhard Nielsen was the first-ever winner.
- The Long Silence: After 1968, the race went on a 13-year hiatus until 1981, when it was revived and Greek rider Kanellos Kanellopoulos famously swept the podium alongside his compatriots.
2. Sporadic Growth (1990s–2012)
- Inconsistent Schedule: For decades, the race struggled with financial stability, leading to frequent cancellations (it was not held from 1990–1997 and 1999–2001).
- UCI Recognition: In 2005, the race became part of the UCI Europe Tour, professionalizing the event and attracting stronger international teams.
- Financial Crisis: Following the 2012 edition, the race entered its longest period of dormancy due to the Greek economic crisis, disappearing from the calendar for exactly a decade.
3. The Modern Revival (2022–Present)
- The Comeback: In late 2021, the Greek Ministry of Sports and “Cycling Greece” announced a major revival. Rebranded as the ΔΕΗ International Tour of Hellas, it returned in 2022 as a UCI 2.1 event.
- The “New” Mission: The modern race aims to boost tourism and promote sustainable transport. It now features five stages and draws a mix of ProTeams and Continental squads.
- National Pride: The race has become a centerpiece for Greek cycling, with Athens (Syntagma Square) often serving as the grand finale to mirror the Champs-Élysées.
Iconic Past Winners
The “Golden Book” of the Tour of Hellas includes diverse champions from across the globe:
- Gerhard Nielsen (1968): The pioneer winner.
- Kanellos Kanellopoulos (1981): The first Greek winner and a national legend.
- Vasilis Anastopoulos (2003): One of the most successful Greek pros (now a renowned coach for WorldTour stars like Remco Evenepoel).
- Harold Martín López (2024): The Ecuadorian winner who helped solidify the race’s international prestige in the modern era.
Historical “Jerseys”
While the colors have shifted slightly over the years, the modern classifications are:
- Blue Jersey: General Classification (Leader)
- Red Jersey: Points Classification (Sprinter)
- Polka Dot Jersey: King of the Mountains (Climber)
- White Jersey: Best Young Rider (U23)
