The Germans often refered to the Cretan Resistance - or Andartes - as men of darkness.

And after six hardening stages - one or two of which saw riders wheel through the thinning light, this final stage presents all with one last cruel hurdle before they can honestly claim that they have risen to Cretan levels of endurance and resilience.

Taking place along 65km of Cretan backcountry, Stage 7 is a serenely beautiful stage, where you'll encounter a series of climbs that give you a chance to see some of Crete's most famous geographical sites from up high, including the plains of the Lasithi Plateau and Kritsa Gorge.

Upon finishing in Agios Nikolaos, successful riders will be rewarded with their coveted Minotour patch, cycling jersey and a well-deserved ice-cold Mythos.