National Greek Cycling Champion Polychronis Tzortzakis has set his mind on one goal: represent his country in the World Championship in US this year.

This desire was what prompted him to reach out to the publisher of The Pappas Post, Gregory Pappas, and ask for support.

Soon after, the publisher launched an online campaign to help Tzortzakis and other Greek athletes raise the necessary funds that will allow them participate in international championships.

With the Greek debt crisis ongoing if not worsening, the Greek Cycling Federation, like all sporting institutions, is unable to financially support athletes who want to compete on the global stage.

Within less than 10 days the campaign had already raised US$2,500 covering 25 per cent of the distance to its the target.

It is this overwhelming support that Tzortzakis credits for his latest victory in a 120 kilometer race at Chateau de Coucy (Castle of Coucy ) in France last Monday.

“At one point I was in a breakaway of 4 cyclists for the last 30km and I attacked on the last 8th kilometer of the race and finished solo with almost a minute advantage over the next cyclists! I felt really good and was boosted by the help that I’m receiving from Greek-Americans these past few days. Knowing that there are people out there who care gave me a lot more motivation to win this race with the Greek flag on my jersey”, Tzortzakis wrote on his facebook page.

Polychronis Tzortzakis was born in Hania, Crete, but is living in France racing semi-professionally for a team.

The 26-year-old hopes to wear the blue and white Greek flag on his shirt at the Elite Road Cycling World Championship taking place from September 20-27, 2015 in Richmond Virginia.

To support the ‘Greek Athletic Champions Fund’ visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/greek-athletic-champions-fund#/story