Greece’s most prestigious cycling event, the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, continues today (Saturday, April 5) with the Queen stage. It is the Tour’s fourth stage, the longest in distance with 185.95 km and with the highest elevation gain of 3764 metres. The penultimate day features three uphill KoM sprints.
The pre-start will be given at 1 p.m. in the picturesque port of Nea Artaki, the second largest city in Evia. The official start will follow in Nea Artaki’s outskirts, some 10 km north of Chalkida.
The peloton will enjoy another impressive route, passing Psachna, ascending to Agios Athanasios and Mount Dirfi with the famous Agalis Gorge. While ascending the riders will then meet the Kratia spring to the Portitses peak (1168 m.), where the first 968 m. KoM will take place.
Next comes a quick descent en route to the Aegean Sea shores, with an uphill direction towards the settlement of Stropones, on the other side of Mount Dirfi, where a second 1016 m. KoM awaits the riders.
Another fast descent follows, towards Kathenon—Stenis Avenue and on the way to Chalkida, next to the Arethousa Museum, where the first intermediate sprint will take place. As soon as they cross the High Bridge of Chalkida, they enter the old Athens—Chalkida National Road. Passing through the villages of Vathy and Kalochori, they head towards Avlona, a settlement in the Prefecture of Attica. Continuing towards Malakasa, they will ascend Agios Merkourios, where the third 658 m. KoM occurs.
Soon after, a descent towards Katsimidi and Varibompi will follow, and via Tatoi Airport Base, they will enter the Olympic Village. The final sprint will take place at the Olympic Square.
Stage 4
Chalkis to Olympic Village (Municipality of Acharnai)
Distance: 185,95 km
Elevation gain: 3.764 m
Stage 4 is the Queen stage of this year's ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas, with three KoMs and one intermediate sprint.
Pre-start from the port of Nea Artaki, and the official start at the city’s outskirts.
Route: Nea Artaki – Psachna – Agios Athanasios – Dirfi Mountain range (Portitses, 1st 963 m. KoM) – Glyfada – Agia Irini – Aetofolia peak area (Dirfi Mountain) – Stropones (2nd 1016 m. KoM) – Steni – Katheni – Pissonas – Afrati – Vasiliko (Chalkidas – Aliveriou avenue) – Nea Lampsakos – Chalkida (next to Arethousa Museum) – 1st intermediate sprint – High Bridge of Chalkida – Old National Road of Athens-Chalkida – Vathy – Kalochori - Schimatari – Oinofyta (outskirts) – Avlonas – Agia Triada – ascend to Agios Merkourios (3rd 658 m. KoM) – Descend towards Katsimidi – Varibombi – Tatoi Airport – Olympic Village - Olympic Square.
Points of interest
0 km Nea Artaki
31.08 km Dirfi Mountain Range (1st KoM 963 m. sprint)
65.2 km Stropones (2nd KoM 1016 m. sprint)
111.13 km Chalkida (1st intermediate sprint)
166.6 km Agios Merkourios (3rd KoM 658 m. sprint)
185.95 km Olympic Village
