International endurance motorbike rally aims to boost Egyptian leisure tourism.
Egypt has taken another big step forward in cementing itself as a global player in the international sports calendar, announcing the dates for the fourth annual ‘Cross Egypt Challenge’. Sponsored by the Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA), the endurance challenge will run from 14 – 22 November 2014.
Starting from the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on 14 November, the 3,000km motorbike and scooter challenge will pass by Cairo stopping at Ain Sokhana, El Gouna and Marsa Alam before crossing the Egyptian Eastern Desert towards Aswan and Luxor. Further stops in the Western Desert Oases of Kharga, Dakhla and Bahareya will be made before the rally finishes in Cairo under the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Open to all motorbike and scooter riders, organisers have confirmed that the 2014 challenge has attracted participants from 20 international countries to date, with more expected to sign up to this unique annual event by 14 November 2014.
Commenting on the 2014 event, Hadeer El Masry of the Cross Egypt Challenge stated, “Each year we aim to set tougher challenges for the riders, with this year seeing an increase in distance of 600km compared to 2013. In doing so riders will tackle city, desert, mountain and oasis terrain while riding through a plethora of Egypt’s famous landmarks.
“We continue to receive fantastic support from our partners and riders alike, which has helped in cementing the rally as an annual event.” added El Masry.
The challenge provides riders with the opportunity to discover and tackle parts of Egypt you wouldn’t have thought were accessible by motorbike. Introducing new routes and beautiful Egyptian locations each year also ensures a breathtaking experience for riders and spectators alike.
Omayma El Husseini, UK & Ireland Director for the Egyptian Tourist Authority, said, “This is a great opportunity to support an annual event that is truly original. With so many famous Egyptian landmarks included in the route each year it makes the challenge even more appealing to both repeat and new riders.
“We are committed to developing Egypt into a leading destination for sports both competitive and recreational, and in doing so continue to develop leisure tourism, bringing positive global attention to the country.”
The Cross Egypt Challenge is the only organized cross-country challenge of its kind in the entire region and combines the best of adventure travel and extreme sport. Interested riders who are up for the challenge can find more details on entry requirements at www.crossegyptchallenge.com and get regular updates on Twitter (@CrossEgypt) and www.Facebook.com/CrossEgyptChallenge.
The Egyptian Tourist Authority will be at this year’s World Travel Market, 3-6 November, at ExCeL London, exhibiting on stands AF500 – AF550. Visitors can sample delicious delicacies including falafel, foul madams and baklava, as well as enjoy a taster of folk music and traditional dance performances, such as the Alexandrian dance.
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About Egypt
Located in the northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt is placed at a crossroad between Africa, Asia and Europe. With colossal ancient monuments, thousands of years of history, expansive desert landscapes, the world’s longest river and the stunning Red Sea Riviera resorts, Egypt offers a wealth of wonders to discover.
For more information, please visit: www.egypt.travel or www.gotoegypt.org. Or check out our UK Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/LoveEgyptUK
