Cyclists ride during the second Athens Bike Weekend in Athens Authentic Kyle Okposo Jersey , Greece, on May 7, 2017. Thousands of cycling lovers jumped in the saddle and pedals last weekend to celebrate the second Athens Bike Weekend in the heart of the Greek capital aiming to accelerate the development of urban cycling in the city. (XinhuaLefteris Partsalis)
by Alexia Vlachou


ATHENS, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of cycling lovers jumped in the saddle and pedals last weekend to celebrate the second Athens Bike Weekend in the heart of the Greek capital aiming to accelerate the development of urban cycling in the city.


From May 6 to May 7, Syntagma Square was flooded with cycling enthusiasts of all ages willing to promote a more active and environment-conscious lifestyle with races, exhibitions, bike rides and parallel events.


On Sunday morning Authentic Jake McCabe Jersey , more than 15,000 bike lovers, racing teams and professional athletes took part in the 24th Cycling Tour, organized by the Athens Municipality's Cultural, Sport & Youth Organization (OPANDA).


In two separate routes -- the 13-kilometer race and the 3.5-kilometer race for children and people with disabilities, cyclists enjoyed the race passing through the city center to reach the finish line at Syntagma Square.


"The Cycling Tour, along with the Authentic Athens Marathon Justin Bailey Jersey , the Half-Marathon and the Tour of Athens, are four major sports events held in Athens. It is important to prove daily that public space is open to every citizen," Athens Mayor George Kaminis said during the event.


"On this front, the municipality gives a daily struggle and I appeal to all citizens, telling them that we have to respect public space, whether we are shop owners or drivers," said Kaminis.


For the first time Ryan O'Reilly Jersey , visitors had also the opportunity to watch a unique spectacle, as professional cyclists and teams from Greece and Europe raced on high speeds.