OLYMPIA RALLY 2026 EDITION
The Olympia Rally 2026 officially kicked off, and Day 1 fully lived up to expectations: a demanding opening stage, designed not to overwhelm the riders, but to educate them. From the very first kilometer, it became clear that this race is not just about speed – it’s about correct decision-making, navigation, and composure.
The opening stage relied heavily on roadbook skills, forcing competitors to stay constantly alert, trust their instruments, and resist the temptation to ride purely on instinct.
Day 1 was not about winning – it was about smart survival.
First to finish the stage was the Greek multiple Enduro champion #52 Kimon Karabelas (GR) on a YAMAHA Ténéré 700, followed by #45 Jacinto Vander Hoeven (BE) on a HUSQVARNA FE 501 and #422 Roman Gruber (AT) with a KTM EXC 500.
This year’s Olympia Rally features a strong Greek presence, with many Greek riders ready to showcase their abilities on the international stage. The Greek riders taking part are John Sevastopoylos, Giannis Trigkas, Konstantinos Chatzimichalis, Christos Pelousis, Georgios Stogiannos, Sokratis Zaimis, Harry Papageorgiou, Ilias Tsaniklidis, and Themistoklis Papameletiou. We wish them the best of luck for the demanding days ahead.
On Sunday afternoon, the ceremonial start took place in the city center, where ALL the riders were presented, accompanied by loud music, a large crowd, and an explosion of color!
Day 2 of Olympia Rally 2026 delivered one of the most demanding challenges of the event, placing navigation at the absolute center of the stage. A total distance of 236 km, combined with 438 waypoints, required constant concentration, precise roadbook reading, and unwavering focus from start to finish. With countless intersections and frequent changes of direction, there was little room for hesitation or error, turning every decision into a critical one.
The route ran through Foloi and along the Pinios area, offering fast sections mixed with highly technical navigation zones that tested both mental endurance and discipline. Maintaining rhythm while managing the complexity of the course proved essential, as the density of intersections demanded full commitment and sharp awareness throughout the entire stage.
The second part of the day was very technical, featuring mud and river traps that challenged the participants and even forced a temporary closure of the track for several minutes. The organization responded quickly by sending support vehicles to resolve the issue.
In the end, all riders continued to the finish line, covered in mud but smiling through it all. The final 8‑kilometer river crossing washed the bikes clean and brought the demanding day to a memorable close.
First to complete the stage was #33 Ferdinand Kreidl with KTM EXC 450 and #2 John Sevastopoylos with YAMAHA WR450F and third was #11 David Pinvidic with GAS GAS 350 EC.
Day 3 of the Olympia Rally 2026 marked the Marathon stage, taking riders deeper into the heart of the challenge as the rally headed toward Kalamata. This demanding day was split into two stages, with a well-earned coffee break in Diavolitsi offering a brief moment to reset before tackling the second half of the journey.
The first stage passed through Makrisia, Krestena, Smerna, and Artemida, before climbing into the mountainous terrain of Mount Tetrazio. This section combined long distances with varied landscapes, requiring riders to manage pace, energy, and navigation carefully while adapting to constant changes in terrain.
After the break, Stage 2 led the competitors through Agia Theodora and continued parallel to the main road toward Kalamata. While faster in character, this part of the day still demanded concentration, especially after the accumulated fatigue of the Marathon stage. With no outside assistance allowed, riders relied on their preparation, discipline, and determination as they pushed through to the end of a challenging and memorable Day 3.
First to finish the stage was #52 Karampelas Kimon with YAMAHA TERENE 700, second fastest was #2 Sevastopoylos John with YAMAHA WR450F and third was #33 Kreidl Ferdinand with KTM EXC 450.
Day 4 of the Olympia Rally 2026 featured the second part of the Marathon stage, taking riders on a spectacular route around the beautiful mountain of Taygetos. Starting from Kalamata, the day offered a shorter and more relaxed stage compared to previous days, allowing competitors to enjoy the riding while managing the accumulated fatigue of the Marathon.
The route circled the slopes of Taygetos, combining scenic landscapes with flowing sections that encouraged a smooth and controlled pace. After the intensity of the earlier stages, this part of the Marathon allowed riders to regain rhythm, enjoy the terrain, and focus on clean navigation and consistent riding.
Finishing back in Kalamata, the shorter route gave riders the chance to unwind and recover, with the beaches of the city providing the perfect setting to relax after several demanding days on the bike. Day 4 closed the Marathon stage on a positive note, blending challenge, scenery, and well-earned moments of rest.
First to finish the stage was #2 Sevastopoulos John with YAMAHA WR450F, second fastest was #52 Karampelas Kimon with YAMAHA TERENE 700 and third was #11 Pinvidic David with GAS GAS 350 EC.
Day 5 of the Olympia Rally 2026 marked the return from Kalamata after the demanding Marathon stage, welcoming riders back with a day that combined recovery, rhythm, and renewed challenge. The route was once again split into two stages, easing competitors back into race mode while still testing their adaptability and endurance.
The first stage passed through Karytena, starting with a soft and flowing terrain alongside the Pamissos River, allowing riders to gradually build pace after the Marathon days. This smoother opening soon gave way to a more demanding section, as the route climbed into rocky terrain leading up the Tetrazio Mountain, requiring careful line choice and controlled riding.
The second stage featured predominantly soft terrain but was far from straightforward, passing through numerous broken and damaged roads. Constant changes in surface conditions demanded attention and precision, keeping riders alert all the way to the finish. Day 5 successfully blended recovery with challenge, setting the tone for the final days of the rally.
First to finish the stage was #2 Sevastopoulos John with YAMAHA WR450F, second fastest was #52 Karampelas Kimon with YAMAHA TERENE 700 and third was #11 Pinvidic David with GAS GAS 350 EC.
Day 6 of the Olympia Rally 2026 brought the event to a close with a final but still demanding day of racing, reminding riders that nothing comes easy until the very end. Split into two stages, the last day required focus, determination, and smart riding as fatigue from the previous days was still very much present.
The first stage ran through Smerna, offering a technical and engaging start that tested navigation and rhythm. Riders then moved into the second stage, passing through Alfiousa, where the terrain continued to challenge concentration and consistency, pushing competitors to give their final effort of the rally.
With the last kilometers completed, riders crossed the finish line knowing they had conquered six intense days of racing across some of the most diverse terrain Greece has to offer. The rally concluded with the official closing party and prize‑giving ceremony, where achievements were celebrated, stories were shared, and friendships were sealed. Day 6 marked not just the end of the competition, but the successful completion of another unforgettable edition of the Olympia Rally.
First to finish the stage was #2 Sevastopoulos John with YAMAHA WR450F, second fastest was #52 Karampelas Kimon with YAMAHA TERENE 700 and third was #11 Pinvidic David with GAS GAS 350 EC.
Winner of Olympia Rally 2026 was #2 Sevastopoulos John with YAMAHA WR450F second overall was #52 Karampelas Kimon with YAMAHA TERENE 700 and third was #22 Trigkas Giannis with SUZUKI DR-Z4
FINAL RESULTS
