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On Aug. 24, Türkiye's capital will host the Maximum Gran Fondo Baskent, one of the country’s leading amateur road cycling events, welcoming hundreds of riders from both Türkiye and abroad.
This year’s edition will not only test endurance and strategy across scenic routes but also introduce a first for Türkiye: the launch of the country's first Bicycle Village in Tulumtas.
The project, organized in collaboration with the local muhtar, the elected village head, aims to promote cycling as a part of daily life rather than merely a sport. Tulumtas will offer structured cycling education for all ages and will establish a children's cycling team from the neighborhood. As part of the race route, it promises to be one of the most meaningful stops along the way, with residents greeting cyclists with roses as a symbol of their welcome and support.
The 2025 Gran Fondo Baskent will begin in front of Bilkent Center, sponsored by Türkiye Is Bank’s credit card brand Maximum Kart. Cyclists will compete in various categories, including long and short distances, paralympic, and tandem. The course, designed with a balance of technical descents, urban climbs, and open flats, puts riders’ endurance and tactics to the test.
The most defining section is expected to be the climb through the city center. Riders will pedal past Ankara landmarks such as Atakule and traverse neighborhoods including Incek, Tulumtas, Halacli, and Koparan before looping back to the finish line at Bilkent.
Participants in the Maximum Gran Fondo Baskent 2025 will choose between two route options, each offering a unique blend of terrain and challenge.
The long course stretches over 90.9 kilometers (56.4 miles), featuring a total elevation gain of 1,224 meters. Riders will depart from Bilkent, heading through Incek, Golbasi, and Dumlupinar before returning to the starting point.
The short course covers 56.06 kilometers (34.8 miles), with 853 meters of climbing, following a loop through Cakirlar and Beytepe before finishing back in Bilkent.
Both routes are fully paved, closed to traffic, and designed to prioritize rider safety while offering scenic views of Ankara’s urban and rural landscapes.
The event will unfold over two days, creating a festival-like atmosphere for riders, supporters, and families alike:
Saturday, Aug. 23
Sunday, Aug. 24
All activities will center around the Bilkent Center.
Now in its fourth edition, Gran Fondo Baskent is organized by 78 Event and supported by the Ankara Governorship, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Türkiye Cycling Federation. The race has become more than a competition—it serves as a model combining sports, urban culture, environmental awareness, and community solidarity.
Ankara Deputy Governor Murat Soylu emphasized during the Aug. 5 press briefing that the event has grown into a major organization reflecting the unifying power of sport and the value of healthy living, with over 6,500 participants expected. Speaking to Türkiye Today, he invited visitors to discover the region’s rich cultural history and Turkish hospitality.
Faruk Koyluoglu, deputy mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, noted that the municipality embraces sport not just through events but as a lifestyle. "Every meter pedaled today is a strong step toward a more active and livable Ankara," he said.
This year's event has attracted strong corporate support, including Skoda, Mosso, Shimano, Sports International, SPX, Bilkent Otel, and Koru Hospital. Skoda Turkey's Marketing Manager Burcu Bozkurt Safaklioglu described the race as a milestone in the brand's cycling engagement, telling Turkiye Today that "Skoda Global is also supporting and promoting the event across its networks."
According to 78 Event General Manager Omer Kafkas, the race represents a tradition that unites people around shared values such as health, nature, and sustainability. “We will once again make the heart of the Republic beat with the sound of bicycle wheels,” he said at the press event.
The start-finish zone, set in the Bilkent Center open-air car park, will host an expo area filled with brand booths, interactive experiences for families, and special activities for children. Participants will receive event shirts, race kits, medals, and have access to post-race photo and video coverage to commemorate the day.
Registration remains open until Aug. 19 on Gran Fondo Baskent's website, welcoming amateur athletes, club cyclists, and enthusiasts of all ages to take part in what promises to be a dynamic celebration of sport, community, and culture.
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