-- Igor Makarov, entrepreneur, former professional cyclist, and longtime supporter of the sport, will sponsor the Mayflower Gran Prix Cyprus 2026, taking place in Limassol on October 31 and November 1, 2026.
Photo courtesy of INEX Club
Organized by INEX Club, the two-day event will bring together cyclists from Cyprus and abroad, from amateur riders and newcomers to experienced competitors. Now in its third edition, the Gran Prix combines competitive racing with a broader programme designed to bring the cycling community together and showcase Cyprus as a destination for cycling and active lifestyles.
For Igor Makarov, the sponsorship marks another chapter in a relationship with cycling that spans nearly five decades, from competing internationally as an athlete to supporting professional cycling, contributing to the sport's international governance, and, more recently, becoming involved in initiatives that encourage cycling participation in Cyprus.
Two Days of Racing in Limassol
The first day of competition, October 31, will feature a 70-kilometre road race from Limassol through Agios Theodoros and Zygi to Monte Caputo. The route combines varied terrain with the coastal landscapes of southern Cyprus.
On November 1, the competition will move to the New Port area of Limassol for a 30-kilometre circuit race, followed by the awards ceremony and event celebration.
The Gran Prix will feature 12 age categories—six for men and six for women—allowing riders of different ages and experience levels to compete.
A Finish Line Village will complement the sporting programme, welcoming participants, families, and supporters and extending the event beyond the races themselves.
A Five-Decade Connection with Cycling
Igor Makarov's journey in cycling began as an athlete. From 1979 to 1986, he represented the USSR national cycling team at international competitions. A multiple national and international champion, he was awarded the title of International Master of Sports.
After concluding his competitive career, Makarov remained deeply involved in the sport. He founded and sponsored the Swiss-registered professional cycling team KATUSHA, which competed on the UCI WorldTour from 2009 to 2019 and became one of the leading teams in international professional cycling.
Makarov also served on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Management Committee from 2011 to 2025, contributing to the governance and international development of cycling. His contribution to international cycling was recognized in 2016, when he received the UCI Merit Award in Doha, Qatar.
In recent years, his attention has increasingly turned to the development of cycling in Cyprus, where he resides. In 2025, the Cyprus Cycling Federation presented him with the Aristides Konstantinidis Award, named after Cyprus' first Olympic champion. The award recognized his longstanding contribution to the growth of cycling in the country.
These two distinctions reflect different stages of Makarov's involvement in the sport, from his contribution to international cycling to his more recent efforts to encourage its development in Cyprus.
Supporting the Cycling Community in Cyprus
Igor Makarov's involvement in Cyprus extends beyond major competitive events. He has supported a range of cycling initiatives aimed at encouraging wider participation, supporting young riders, and bringing cyclists of different backgrounds and experience levels together.
Among these initiatives were charity cycling events that brought together cyclists from Cyprus and abroad and raised funds to provide bicycles, helmets, protective equipment and training gear for aspiring young riders. He has also supported previous Gran Prix events in Limassol, contributing to the development of an international cycling event that combines competition with community participation.
The sponsorship of the Mayflower Gran Prix Cyprus 2026 builds on these efforts while contributing to the broader development of Cyprus as a cycling destination. The island's climate, varied terrain, coastal routes, and growing cycling community provide a strong foundation for both recreational and competitive cycling.
“Cycling has been part of my life for nearly five decades, and I am pleased to continue supporting its development here in Cyprus,” Igor Makarov shares.
“I have seen the sport from many perspectives—as an athlete, a team founder and sponsor, and through international cycling governance. Today, it is especially rewarding to help create opportunities for people in Cyprus to discover cycling, compete and become part of its community. Events such as the Mayflower Gran Prix can help inspire the next generation while also showing international riders what Cyprus has to offer.”
For more information and registration details for the Mayflower Gran Prix Cyprus 2026, please visit the official event website: https://inex.club/granprix2026
About Igor Makarov
Igor Makarov is a Cyprus-based entrepreneur, philanthropist and former professional cyclist. He is the founder of ARETI International Group, an international group registered in Cyprus. The group has diversified business interests across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, with a focus on strategic investments, innovation, sports development, and charitable engagement.
A former member of the USSR national cycling team, Makarov has maintained a close connection with cycling throughout his professional life and continues to support initiatives that promote cycling and active lifestyles, particularly in Cyprus.
Beyond sport, Makarov and his companies have supported humanitarian, educational, cultural, and community initiatives internationally for more than three decades.
Contact Info:
Name: ARETI Public Relations team
Email: Send Email
Organization: ARETI International Group
Website: https://pr@aretigroup.com/
Release ID: 89203924
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