Milan-Cortina: the flame overcomes the 'cursed' road and conquers the children of Metsovo

Metsovo - The organisers of the Hellenic Olympic Committee knew from the outset that it would be a real challenge to take the Milan-Cortina Flame to the Pindus mountains where Epirus, Thessaly and Western Macedonia meet. But the challenge, albeit with some difficulty, was met.

It is in fact on that very mountain that the 1750-metre Katara pass, known as the 'cursed road', is located. And Katara means 'curse' in Greek. Until a few years ago, it was the only artery between Metsovo and Igoumenitsa on the west coast. Ice, fog and frequent landslides paid homage to its name. Everything changed, however, with the inauguration of the Egnatia Odos (A2) motorway, whose tunnels and viaducts made connections easier. Today, the 'cursed road' is only preferred by cyclists and motorcyclists in search of a good adrenalin rush. The same that yesterday, on the second leg of the Flame's journey, was experienced by the drivers of the Greek Olympic Committee convoy with the police relay in the lead and the car with built-in tripod carrying the Flame.

Yesterday's was one of the most challenging fractions with rain that never allowed any respite. It had started in the morning from Karpenisi, leaving behind the misty Alpine landscape of Evritania to continue its journey northwards. The first stop was Karditsa, a town nestled in the Thessaly plain and known for its agricultural traditions. There the flame was greeted by the locals in a spirit of joy and unity.

The journey continued to Mouzaki and Pyli, two towns in the foothills of the Pindus Mountains, before assaulting the hairpin bends of the climb. But it was in Metsovo among the grassy stone streets and shops selling wooden products that the welcome was warmest despite the adverse weather conditions. Throngs of local children greeted the flame and local torchbearers. Among them one stood out for the pride he brings to his hometown, Mouzaki: Dimosthenis Tampakos, Olympic gymnastics champion, silver medallist at Sydney 2000 and gold medallist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, now a member of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and President of the Hellenic Olympic Academy. Tampakos is back on his path to Olympic medals. A good wish for the success of Milan-Cortina.