The 61st edition of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye has successfully concluded following eight stages across Türkiye, once again bringing together international cyclists, teams, and global audiences through one of the region’s most prominent sporting events.
Held between 26 April and 3 May 2026, the race covered more than 1,130 kilometers from Çeşme to Ankara, passing through coastal routes, mountainous landscapes, and culturally significant destinations across the country.
Originally launched in 1963 as the Marmara Tour, the event has evolved into an internationally recognized competition within the UCI ProSeries calendar and continues to serve as an important platform combining sport, tourism, and cultural promotion.
International Participation
This year’s edition brought together 23 professional teams and approximately 160 riders representing 27 countries. The competition included WorldTeams, ProTeams, and Continental teams from different regions of the world.
Among the participating teams was Kazakhstan’s XDS Astana Team, reflecting the broader international and regional character of the Tour and highlighting participation connected to the wider ECO geography.
Promoting Culture and Tourism
Beyond its sporting dimension, the Tour of Türkiye continues to contribute to the international visibility of Türkiye’s cultural and natural heritage. The race route showcased historical sites, coastal landscapes, and major tourism destinations, while international broadcasts helped present Türkiye to global audiences.
As the only intercontinental cycling tour in the world, the event also reflects Türkiye’s unique geographical position linking Europe and Asia, while supporting cultural connectivity and regional engagement through international sport.
The successful completion of the 2026 edition once again demonstrated the growing significance of the Tour of Türkiye as a platform promoting sports diplomacy, tourism, and international cooperation.