60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye to crown champion next month, highlight culture

The 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye, a major global sporting event, will not only crown a champion after eight stages in eight days, but the race will highlight Türkiye's rich cultural and natural treasures.

The event, which will begin in the southwest coast city of Antalya on April 27, will continue through Kemer, Kalkan, Fethiye, Marmaris, Akyaka, Aydin, Kusadası, Selcuk and Cesme, before finishing in Izmir on May 4.

The race in Türkiye's key tourism destinations of Antalya, Aydin and Izmir, will be broadcast live on the international sports channel Eurosport and TRT Spor.

- "This tour has become an important event globally”

Emin Muftuoglu, head of the Turkish Cycling Federation, told Anadolu that the race is also a significant event for the country's promotion. He said it started as the Marmara Tour in 1963, gained international status in 1965, and was taken under presidential authority in 1966. "Sixty years is a very valuable period, and this tour has become an important event globally," he said.

Muftuoglu pointed out that the tour, which is included in the International Cycling Union (UCI) European Tour calendar and is Türkiye's only "ProSeries" category race, will feature world-renowned professional teams and athletes.

He noted this year 23 teams will compete, with Türkiye represented by Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor, Konya Buyuksehir Belediyespor and Spor Toto teams.

Muftuoglu stated that the tour has played a significant role in spreading cycling culture in Türkiye, noting an increase in bicycle sales and race organizations reflects the effect of the event.

"Bicycles have now become a different culture in our country. Today, we are at the point where a bicycle race is organized every week. The broadcast of the Presidential Cycling Tour on television channels has made a significant contribution to this development. It not only enhances our culture but also contributes to the promotion of our country," he said.

Muftuoglu emphasized that organizing the tour before the tourism season begins is also an important strategy. "We are organizing this event before the tourism season opens so that our tourism will go further and our recognition will increase. We aim to raise Türkiye's share in tourism. This promotion is crucial for the destinations that tourists will choose at the start of the season."

- Final stop, Izmir

Muftuoglu highlighted the change of the location of the end of the race. "Izmir is very important for us, and it holds a special meaning because of its place in the War of Independence. In previous years, the tour ended in Istanbul or Antalya, but this year it will conclude in Izmir.”

“We held a coordination meeting with the Izmir governorship, mayors and provincial directors. Three stages will take place in Izmir. One of the most important uphill stages will be here, as we will climb both Sirince and Meryem Ana. We will head to Cesme and finish in Karsiyaka," he added.

The race began last year in Antalya with 25 teams and 175 athletes. It concluded in Istanbul, with Frank van den Broek of the Dsm-Firmenich PostNL winning the crown.