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ATHENS, Greece – The Bike & Run Expo, the biggest bicycle show in the Balkans saw a successful second edition. With several improvements, including a new and bigger fair ground, organizers managed to attract more visitors from Greece and even from abroad.

Bike and Run Expo was held from 11-13 December in the new expo area near Athens international airport. 110 exhibitors, a 22 % increase over 2008, presented their products on an exhibition area of 6,500 m², including an open ground area and of course a test track for e-Bikes.

Most local distributors and manufacturers were very satisfied with the while there were also two international exhibitors. Many of the 12,000 visitors (10,000 in 2008) were interested in e-Bikes, since a growing number of big cities in Greece have bicycle lanes making it easier and safer to cycle.

With nice temperatures all year round and a growing environmental awareness, commuting is getting popular in Greece. There is no official data on bike sales in Greece, but an estimated 300,000 units are sold every year with an average retail price of about € 350.

Mountaibikes are best sellers but the market share of city bikes is growing. In general the market has been strong in 2009 just like in previous years and expectations for next season are also optimistic.

“Cycling is fashionable again”, was reported by one of the biggest newspapers in Greece the day after the show. Most of the 12 million people live in big cities on the main land where cycling is more and more recognized as a modern way of transport.

Choosing for later show dates together with a new location proved to be a smart choice by the organizers. With almost 15 years of experience in the bicycle business as publishers and event organizers they are also planning the Bike & Run Expo for 2010. This edition should again be bigger, in combination with more side events and a bigger outdoor area. B&R Expo is already the leading show in the Balkan.

Photo: Mbike