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The 61st edition of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye is set to get underway, once again combining elite road cycling with a wide-ranging showcase of the country’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Organized by the Turkish Cycling Federation, the race will roll out from Cesme on April 26 and wrap up in Ankara on May 3, covering over 1,100 kilometers in eight stages.
As the opening stage sets off from Cesme toward Selcuk, riders will move through coastal towns, olive groves, and historic settlements, gradually making their way from the Aegean to the Mediterranean and ultimately into the heart of Anatolia. Each stage is expected to draw spectators to start and finish lines, while television broadcasts will bring the race and surrounding scenery to a global audience.
The route is designed to appeal to a wide range of rider types, with sprint sections, mountain climbs, and rolling terrain shaping the competition day by day. Organizers outline a course that includes multiple sprint points, climbing segments, and elevation gains exceeding 15,000 meters, allowing both sprinters and climbers to come into play.
Key stages include a summit finish in Kiran on the Datca Peninsula and the so-called “queen stage” ending in Feslikan, where a sustained climb is expected to influence the general classification. The race will also feature a long-distance stage beginning at the ancient city of Patara and passing through historically significant locations such as Myra and Olympos.
Beyond the competition itself, the tour is positioned as a platform to highlight Türkiye’s natural and cultural assets. The race will pass through five provinces and more than 60 settlements, with each stage accompanied by local cultural displays, including traditional performances at start and finish areas.
Organizers emphasize that aerial footage captured by helicopters and advanced broadcast systems will present a visual narrative that goes beyond sport, turning the race into a broader cultural journey. Through these elements, the event aims to connect international audiences with Türkiye’s heritage while maintaining the intensity of professional cycling.
A total of 23 teams representing 27 countries are set to take part, bringing together riders from WorldTeam, ProTeam, and Continental levels under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) structure. The peloton will include 161 professional cyclists, along with several teams representing Türkiye at the Continental level.
The race traces its origins back to 1963, when it was first held as the Marmara Tour, and has since grown into a recognized fixture on the international cycling calendar. In its 61st year, it continues to build on that legacy while expanding its global reach.
Promotional video for the 61th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye. (Vido via Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye)
The organization involves a wide operational network, with more than 1,000 personnel working across logistics, security, media, and health services. The race convoy will include hundreds of vehicles, ranging from team cars and media units to ambulances and technical support.
Live coverage will be handled by a dedicated broadcast team, supported by aerial filming and advanced production technology, ensuring that each stage is transmitted to international audiences. Security and medical teams will be deployed along the entire route to maintain rider safety throughout the event.
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