The day Vasilis Anastopoulos made history!

April 6, 2023, marks 20 years since that unforgettable day when Vasilis Anastopoulos became the second Greek to win the Tour of Hellas and the first and only one to date to wear the blue jersey on the last day’s podium.

His victory was preceded by the triumph of Kanellos Kanellopoulos in the Antiquities Prize, a forerunner of the ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas in 1981 when the colour of the leader’s jersey was yellow and not yet blue.

Anastopoulos a coach of Soudal-Quickstep nowadays is a member of the Organising Committee of the 2023 ΔΕΗ Tour of Hellas as well.

It’s worth mentioning that Stage 2 of this year’s edition of the Tour will pass through Megalopolis, the birthplace of Anastopoulos; a coincidence that brings to Vasilis’ mind great memories from the 2003 race when he sent his fellow countrymen into raptures with his fantastic win.

“I can still remember the last kilometres of that stage since we were racing on the same roads I used to train when I was younger. I will never forget the moment I crossed the finish line" says Anastopoulos and adds:

“What followed that victory was so emotional: every resident of the city came to see me, my childhood friends tossed me up in the air, and my parents joined me on the podium; truly incredible moments, I felt overwhelmed. Emotions that you can only experience in sports.

“I am sure that this year we will enjoy a well-organised and spectacular Tour as well, and I hope that we will see Greek riders thrive as I did back in 2023!”.