Five days, five stages, nine categories, one thrilling biking experience 7-11 march 2010

In the tradition of the renowned Tour de France, Israel will host its own country-wide cycling event, the first of its kind in the Holy Land from 7-11 March 2010. Sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, this five day event, split into five stages, offers participants unrivalled views and experiences throughout the ever-changing landscape of Israel, as well as the chance to compete in an important sporting event. Israeli national cycling champion Avihay Grinberg will participate in the inaugural Tour d'Israel race, which has already attracted riders from Israel and overseas.

Riders will pedal across the Land of the Bible, from the snow-capped Mount. Hermon in the North to sunny Eilat on the shores of the Red Sea - a 768 km cycling challenge passing through regions, cities and sites that evoke memories of biblical history and the topography of the Old and New Testament lands. Sites and areas included in the tour: the Galilee hills and their magnificent vistas, legendary Masada, Negev Desert expanses, the shores of the Mediterranean Sea; Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee; Jerusalem and Beersheba; the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Overnights will be in local field schools, hostels and hotels. The competition ends in the resort city of Eilat on the Red Sea, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation in Israel’s premier vacation resort.

The Tour d'Israel has been designed as a 2 person team competition, featuring nine separate categories based on gender and age: Men; Women; Mixed Gender; Adults, Masters (the cumulative age of team members exceeds 80 years) and Grand Masters (the cumulative age of team members exceeds 100 years). Daily laps will run between 125 and 180 km, with the   ranking each pair receives based on the time clocked by its slower rider. 

Further information and registration: www.tourtheisrael.com