For Ran Margaliot and Nir Libner, cycling is a way of life. 

They’re avid riders and love to explore their native Israel, and they want to enjoy their love with their fellow countrymen. Now, that dream has come true. 

They’re participating in the Servetto de Israel, a four-day bike tour that travels from the country’s north to the south. Organized by Genesis Cycling, 43 guests from the European bike world are on a bike tour through the Holy Land. 

They have pedaled more than 300 miles in four days. 

We met up with the riders on the second day of their journey. 

[Ran Margaliot, Team Servetto]:

"This event is amazing. I remember six months ago when this idea had just come up, the sponsor of the professional team said to me, ‘Let's do a tour in Israel. I will come with all my close friends…’ and it's amazing how it's now becoming true."

Ran dreams of being the first Israeli participant in the Tour de France.

Also there was Bjarne Riis, the champion of the Tour De France in 1996. Today he’s the manager and owner of the Saxo Bank team. 

[Bjarne Riis, Manager, Saxo Bank Team]:

"It's nice to be here, we are nice group of people and having a lot of fun and riding nice kilometers in beautiful area, see some important sites."

Mauro Gianetti is the owner of Team Servetto. 

As a child, Mauro loved bicycling in his native Italy. He would always take the mountain road on his way to school. When he started to overtake better-trained riders, he was invited to participate in a competition. Surprisingly enough, he took first place.

After that, Mauro started training professionally, winning trophies and competitions, including the challenging Amstel Gold Race. Then in 1996, Gianetti became the Vice-World Champion of Union Cycliste International.

His message to riders…

[Mauro Gianetti, Owner, Team Servetto]:

"To believe in yourself and give 100% because with the heart, with belief in the dream, everyone can reach their goals. This is what’s most important."

Organizers hope that this event will attract more professional, as well as amateur cyclists from around the world.

 Reporter: Lee Rom 

 Photographer: Anat Markram

NTD, Israel.