On November 9-10, 2024, ARETI, together with Cyprus cycling club INEX, conducted the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024, a two-day cycling event that drew more than 140 cyclists who showcased their skills across the picturesque landscape from Limassol to Pentakomo, and Limassol’s new port area.
The race’s major sponsor, businessman and former professional cyclist Igor Makarov, sees this event as a significant contribution to developing talents while opening opportunities to improve cycling in the region.
Nurturing Young Talents
Igor Makarov has been a prominent figure in the cycling industry for half a century. His journey began at a sports school in Turkmenistan, where he quickly distinguished himself by earning a spot on the National Team for the World Championships at just 16 years old. Over the years, Makarov earned numerous national and international titles, including the prestigious title of International Master of Sports.
Having started cycling young, Makarov deeply understands the significance of nurturing emerging talent. He recognizes how crucial support can be for athletes in the early stages of their careers. This understanding was evident at the ARETI Gran Prix Cyprus 2024, where his backing helped unite cyclists for a two-day event that showcased their skills and sparked greater public interest in the sport.
During his speech at the race’s closing ceremony, Igor Makarov mentioned, “I am delighted to see that Cyprus is developing its cycling tradition. I found myself here in Cyprus 30 years ago, and all this time, when I was starting, I did not see any cyclists in the street. I see that the situation has changed since that time. Such events, such as the one held yesterday and today, are part of the flourishing development of cycling here in Cyprus.”
In his belief in nurturing young talents, Makarov also founded and sponsored the Katusha Team. This Swiss-registered professional multinational cycling team competed at the UCI ProTeam / WorldTour level from 2009 to 2019. Katusha had been an avenue for many young cyclists to develop and showcase their talent on a competition level.
Making Cyprus a Cycling Destination
Aside from the cyclists themselves, Igor Makarov also sees his sponsorship of such races as an avenue to boost the country’s love for cycling and develop ways to make it safer and more appealing. From 30 years ago to today, he has witnessed how the sport in the region has transformed.
Igor Makarov mentions, “I see such events like yesterday and today that are part of the development of cycling here in Cyprus. I have been pedaling for almost 50 years and was honored to be part of the National Cycling Team. We continue to develop cycling at the international level via UCI, the world’s international governing body for cycling, and we carry that tradition.”
Local officials share the enthusiasm for cycling’s growth in Cyprus. Deputy mayor of Limassol, Mr. Demos Katsis, who welcomed the ARETI Gran Prix participants, their families, and the rest of the attendees, also expressed his enthusiasm for such events, emphasized the importance of such events to promote the sport, and highlighted the beauty of Limassol, Cyprus.
He mentions, “Events of such international caliber can expand the city’s brand and the city’s know-how globally. We aim to promote this kind of event and help them take place in the city. We can even take it one step further. Cycling embodies the core principles of our city. We plan to build cycling roads and encourage bike use inside the city. Altogether, we can make it a way better place.”
Moving Cycling Forward
Igor Makarov’s cycling career has a long history of supporting the causes of the cycling community. His contributions have extended to numerous initiatives, including serving on the UCI Management Committee and funding various global cycling organizations, such as Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) federations, and various local charity rides, like “Tour de Broward” and “The Hublot Best Buddies Challenge: Miami.”
More importantly, as a Cyprus citizen, he actively promotes the sport in the region. He also supported young Cypriot cyclists during the 2024 INEX Charity Club Ride last May.
“To be perfectly honest, I can say that Cyprus is the best place to develop both cycling and businesses. I am grateful to the Cyprus leadership and all these people who participate and make certain this country develops forward because I see that Cyprus is a big international family. Life, like cycling, is pedaling daily, seeing to it that we go uphill. Let’s all do that together.”