*By Vicky Karantzavelou
Lesvos is emerging as a popular mountain biking destination with a series of cycling events and mountain biking races in 2026.
2026 is expected to be a particularly active year for mountain biking in Lesvos, with a series of races and actions announced by the Lesvos Cycling Association in co-organization with a wide range of local organizations, emphasizing the dynamic development of cycling tourism on the island. According to the official program, the main events include the Lesvos Enduro MTB in Agiassos on May 3 and the Petrified Forest MTB Adventure in Sigri on September 13, 2026, focusing on highly technical routes that embrace both the value of sport and the quality of the experience in nature.
Of particular tourist interest is the race in Sigri, within the impressive Petrified Forest of Lesvos, where participating cyclists have the opportunity to cross unique geotopes and petrified trees, on a route that combines natural beauty and adventurous experience. At the same time, the races that will precede in Agiassos, enhance the island’s hinterland and attract visitors to an area known for its traditional architecture and natural environment—a “gateway” for cycling tours and exploration of the region rich in natural beauty.
The promotion of cycling through these events, as well as other initiatives of the Association, have strengthened the interest in Lesvos as a tourist destination for cyclists. Cyclists from the Greek mainland and the opposite coastal regions of Turkey visit the island to participate in the races, while the local cycling community and collaborating organizations enhance the experience with cyclist-friendly events and infrastructure.
The city of Mytilene, which has been certified as a bike friendly destination, offers cyclists not only high-quality routes and electric bicycles, but also a unique tourist context throughout the island: excellent tasting with pure local products, thermal and hot baths, clear seas and extensive beaches, traditional villages and nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and habitats of rare birds. Lesvos’ rural road network, with its light traffic, makes cycling safe and enjoyable for both competitors and visitors seeking slow travel experiences.
The 2026 Lesvos Mountain Bike (MTB) Race Series is not just a series of sporting events, but an invitation to cyclists from all over the world to experience the island’s unique routes, discover the culture and strengthen their relationship with the island’s natural world and the local cycling community — making Lesvos an active, diverse and welcoming cycling destination.
More information about the cycling race program can be found here.
Source: traveldailynews.gr