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The amateur road cycling series linked to the Tour de France brand is set to return to Türkiye in 2026, bringing two officially licensed L’Etape by Tour de France events to the country. Registrations have opened for L’Etape Marmaris by Tour de France, scheduled for June 7, 2026 in Mugla, and L’Etape Türkiye by Tour de France, which will take place on September 20, 2026 in Istanbul. Together, the two races aim to offer amateur cyclists a professional-level racing experience on some of Türkiye’s most distinctive routes.
L’Etape by Tour de France is the official amateur racing series created to let non-professional cyclists take part in events that reflect the structure, difficulty, and atmosphere of the Tour de France, widely regarded as the most prestigious road cycling race in the world. While the original Tour de France is held every July in France and lasts three weeks, L’Etape events condense that experience into single-day races, run under high organizational standards and often on closed roads.
In 2026, both Turkish events are expected to bring together hundreds of domestic and international riders, allowing participants to push themselves through demanding climbs, technical descents, and long-distance routes inspired by professional racing formats.
L’Etape Marmaris will be organized for the first time, marking a new destination on the international L’Etape calendar. Set against the natural landscape of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, the course has been designed to test riders both physically and mentally. According to the event description, the route will combine challenging terrain with scenic coastal and forested views, while maintaining the controlled race environment associated with Tour de France-branded events.
With professional-level logistics, an international race atmosphere, and traffic-free roads, the Marmaris race is positioned to place the region firmly on the global cycling map while offering amateur riders the feeling of competing on a Tour de France stage.
L’Etape Türkiye, which will be held in Istanbul for the third time, stands out for its intercontinental format. The race links Europe and Asia within a single course, a feature rarely found in road cycling events worldwide. Drawing riders from multiple countries, the Istanbul event combines symbolic geography with the established race format inspired by the Tour de France legacy.
Organizers highlight that the event’s structure, safety standards, and competitive layout are designed to mirror the professional racing experience, while remaining accessible to amateur cyclists with different performance goals.
Registrations for both L’Etape Marmaris and L’Etape Türkiye are now open and will remain available until the dates set in the race calendar. Early registration options are offered for a limited period, and participants who sign up for both races at the same time can benefit from combined registration opportunities. All official information and registration procedures are being handled through the official website.
First held in 1903, the Tour de France is an annual multi-stage road cycling race that covers more than 3,000 kilometers across around 21 stages, including flat stages, mountain stages, and individual time trials. The overall race leader wears the yellow jersey, known as the Maillot Jaune, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols in global sport.
L’Etape by Tour de France was created to extend this legacy to amateur cyclists. Although participation is open to non-professionals, the races are known for their high level of competition and demanding courses. Since 1993, L’Etape events have been organized in 22 countries, with Türkiye becoming the 23rd country to host the series.
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