Stage 2 - Karpenisi – Larissa

The standout feature of the 2026 UCI ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas are the distinct locations and the variety of the stage cities. Yes, we all feel that we know Greece, but do we really? This year’s race gives you an opportunity to not only follow some of the world’s top road cyclists as they weave their way across ancient lands. It gives you the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of mainland Greece, and to feed off its unrivalled history and culture.

Stage 2 of the 2026 UCI ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas emphasises this, with a route of 155km that takes you into the mountainous landscape between Karpenisi and historical Larissa. Starting in the mountain adventure city of Karpenisi, the regional capital of Evrytania, you find yourself surrounded by a Greece that defies the usual images we see. This vibrant city lies within the valley of the river Karpenisiotis, in the southern part of the Pindus Mountains which surround it, and which our cyclists will have to climb as they head towards Larissa. There are 3 opportunities for KOM points within the first 52km, as the testing Greek mountains and heat stand between the riders and a post-ride coffee in Larissa.
And, whilst Karpenisi is a stunning city, filled with taverns and coffee shops for cyclists, it also provides a perfect base for exploring the local area once the peloton has set off – such as the nearby mountain monastery at Proussous. However, the riders, and indeed the climbers in the peloton will be focused today on some short, testing and punchy climbs, as the route immediately heads onto tree –lined mountain roads that weave steeply through these quiet mountains that speak loudly of Greek history.

These 3 initial climbs – of category 1, 2 and 3 – keep things interesting, with the first – and hardest climb – coming early, within the first 13.3km of the day. The rocky summit of Tymfristos - Τυμφρηστός – category 1 – takes the peloton to a high point in the Pindus mountains and will remind riders and cycling fans of those tough Pyrenean routes, with the baking sun to contend with, alongside the at the GC climbers.

The second climb is at Tarzan - Ταρζάν after 39.5km (category 2), before the road dips and then rises once more for the final category climb of the day at Rentina - Ρεντίνα at 51.6km (category 3), a beautiful mountain village, with the historic Holy Monastery of Rentina located about 7 km southeast of the village, and well worth a visit once the riders have summitted.

For the peloton though, Larissa awaits, with the mountains releasing the riders into 2 sprints: at Kallifoni - Καλλιφώνι after 89.6km, and finally at Karditsa - Καρδίτσα at 101.8km. Sprint points claimed, the riders then have 30km for teams to prepare their finish tactics and close down any breakaway that is still riding for glory. Yes, teams will be busy today, with the domestique’s certainly being called into action for a variety of tasks.

Thankfully though, to destination for the peloton is Larissa – a city renowned for being the coffee capital of mainland Greece!

Most cyclists will admit to enjoying a coffee ride with friends; however, whilst the peloton all know each other, there’ll be nothing too friendly about today’s cycling battle, as riders from some of the world’s top teams test themselves on this long day in saddle. Thankfully, as the sprinters arrive in Larissa, they’ll all be able to relax in the knowledge that toady’s stage finish is the coffee capital of Greece! Yes, boasting the nation's highest concentration of cafes, a thriving coffee culture, and frequent coffee-related events and festivals, Larissa has a vibrant and modern feel to it, whilst remaining wrapped in ancient Greek culture.

As largest city of the Thessaly region in Greece and one of the most populated, there’s a wealth of things to do and see in Larissa, once the racing is over. With the earlier part of the day providing the climbs; once the peloton has exited the mountain passes and briefly visited the town of Karditsa, the approaches to Larissa will be welcome, with the finale fireworks at 132.5 km of hard riding.

And, once the racing is over, you can explore the nearby natural wonders like Olympus and Meteora, or visit museums and historical sites including two ancient theatres, the ruins of Larissa’s ancient acropolis with Pelasgian walls, and the medieval Monastery of Panagia Olympiotissa, before taking to your own bike and testing yourself on the steep climbs of the beautiful mountain landscapes.

Tomorrow is another day for the world’s top cyclists, as they take on stage three. However, you can start making a long list of the many reasons to return to both Karpenisi and Larissa on your own cycling adventure through history – Greek style!

Stage analysis: It's going to be a tough start for stage 2, but we are again predicting it will come down to another bunch sprint. With the stage climbing from the start the breakaway should be a strong one with the king of the mountain’s leader trying again. After a third of the way through the stage the terrain changes significantly. The flat lands and the potential of wind could make the stage a little bit more demanding than the route shows. The flattish run towards the stage end will not worry many but if the wind is in the right direction, then it could add a little spice to this part of the stage.