Marianne Vos op de mountainbike-pedalen in Cyprus

“This is a really big honor to have Marianne Vos at the Cyprus Sunshine Cup”, Mike Hadjioannou, head of the organizing Bikin’ Cyprus event agency, shows himself excited about the big name in cycling. What it makes very special is the fact, that Marianne Vos since years was not more competing in high level mountainbike races, but was extremely successful in other cycling disciplines.

She is the Olympic Champion on the road in London 2012, world champion in 2006 and 2012 on the road, four times world champion in Cyclo Cross, Olympic hampion on track, two times world champion on track.

The only cycling discipline, where Marianne Vos was taking part, but didn’t got an international medal, is Mountainbiking. As best result, she finished fourth at the junior worlds in Livigno 2005.

Now Marianne Vos, who won the Cyclo-Cross rainbow jersey two weeks ago in Louisville (US), decided to race some mountainbike races in 2013. On Cyprus she acts as a guest of Giant Pro XC Team, while riding road races for Rabobank Liv/Giant Team.

On Cyprus Marianne Vos is accompanied by Jolanda Neff. The 20 years old Swiss is current U23 world champion and one of the most talented girls in mountainbiking.

So three days Afxentia stage race will have a really high quality on the women’s side. As already announced, three times Olympic medal winner Sabine Spitz (Ger) and worlds bronze medalist 2011, Eva Lechner (Ita) are within the competitors." (MVO)