Konya, chosen as the 2026 European Cycling Capital, hosted its first Granfondo Road Cycling Race. The event brought together 565 amateur and professional cyclists from Türkiye and other countries to compete on the same course.
The Konya Metropolitan Municipality organized the race, which began at Meram Baglari in the city center. Riders chose between two routes with different distances and elevation gains throughout the city.
The short course was 62.61 kilometers long with 439 meters of climbing. The long course covered 94.9 kilometers and included 1,337 meters of elevation gain. After the race, a medal ceremony for the top finishers took place at Meram Baglari.
Deputy Mayor Ahmet Murat Koru of the Konya Metropolitan Municipality gave awards to the winners and spoke to the media after the ceremony. He said the city has been expanding its cycling events since being named the 2026 European Cycling Capital.
"We are holding Granfondo in Konya for the first time. Today, 565 athletes from four countries and 42 cities rode through different parts of our city. There is great excitement. I thank everyone who helped organize the event," Koru said.
In the Women's Short Course, Zale Karakas placed first, Burcu Kaya second, and Buket Demirci third.
In the Men's Short Course, Sevket Ozer took first place, followed by Murat Uslu in second and Muhammed Masum Kaya in third.
In the Men's Long Course, Gokhan Uzuntas finished first, Ataman Sekerci second, and Demir Inedi third.
In the Women's Long Course, Aylin Yuce claimed first place, Seniz Pamuk second, and Zuleyha Dikbas third.
In the Under-17 Boys category, Ahmet Fatih Gul finished first, Efe Eken second, and Eymen Dinler third.
In the Paralympic category, Selim Gozber placed first, Ali Kirbas second, and Selman Oksuz third.