Two cyclists ride side by side on a gravel road by the lake; both have helmets and small bags on their bikes, surrounded by a green forest and a background that emphasizes the sense of movement.

The City of Imatra is organizing pre-ride joint runs during the Saimaa Cycle Tour weekend.

The joint runs will be held on Thursday, July 9.7th and Saturday, July 11.7th.

The city of Imatra invites cycling enthusiasts to join the Saimaa Cycle Tour weekend pre-ride joint rides. The event offers a relaxed opportunity to get to know Imatra's diverse cycling routes, local landscapes and other enthusiasts.

– Participants will be able to get into the atmosphere of the event by getting to know local routes and services. At the same time, they will get to see Imatra's hidden gems, says the marketing planner of the city of Imatra Iitaliina Purhonen.

The walks are guided, but you can go at your own pace. Meals and sauna access are at your own expense.

Other guided and self-guided group rides will also be organized during the Saimaa Cycle Tour week. This is reflected in the increased number of cyclists in traffic, so the City of Imatra hopes that all cyclists will exercise caution and pay special attention to traffic safety.

Imatra City pre-ride joint runs

Imatra Pre-Ride – Thursday 9.7.

Departure from the event area at 17 pm. The route is 58 kilometers long.

Thursday's joint ride is aimed at road cyclists. The Imatra ambassador will also be participating in the ride. Roberto Reijonen, who will share their local knowledge and tips for the best destinations in Imatra with participants.

The route runs along Imatra's scenic roads and ends in Varpasaari. After the ride, participants have the opportunity to enjoy the services of the Vuoksi Fishing Park at their own expense and relax in the sauna and by the Vuoksi River.

The route is found From the Strava app.

Ukonrauha Pre-Ride – Saturday 11.7.

Departure from the event area at 15 pm. The route is 32 kilometers long.

Saturday's shared ride is aimed at gravel cyclists. The route heads to the Ukonrauha adventure area along Imatra's most stunning gravel routes.

Along the way, there will be a break at Restaurant Nuota on the shore of Lake Saimaa. The UN Cycling Team, a professional cycling team from Imatra, will also be on the run, and its members will share cycling tips with participants.

The ride ends at Restaurant Sula, where participants have the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies at cyclist-friendly prices.

The route is found From the Strava app.