The 2026 route of the 61st Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour and the teams were introduced

The capital Ankara, in its 61st year with the theme "From Tradition to the Future", Tour of Turkey will host the final  

61. While the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey (TUR) hosted 161 cyclists from 27 different countries in 8 days, 8 stages between 26 April and 3 May; It will pass through 5 cities, over 20 districts and over 60 towns, villages and settlements along 1,133.5 kilometers from Çeşme to Ankara, and will bring together Turkey's geographical and cultural diversity and the great struggle with the world. 

T.R. Under the auspices of the Presidency, T.R. The 2026 track of the 61st Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour, which will be held by the Turkish Cycling Federation between 26 April and 3 May 2026, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the teams participating in the TOUR were introduced at the official press conference held at Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center.

One of the most prestigious races of the ProSeries category in road cycling races in the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar. Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye, as one of the largest sports organizations in Turkey; With its giant convoy consisting of hundreds of vehicles, its global broadcasting power and international influence, it will once again bring Turkey to the world stage with live broadcasts and will inspire the cyclists of the future. 

TOUR 2026, announced with the theme "From Tradition to the Future", will be a powerful international showcase that will convey Turkey's nature, history, culture and lifestyle to the world, carrying its heritage of more than 60 years into the future. 

61. Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour route from Çeşme to Ankara… 

The deep-rooted history of the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour adds meaning to this year's route. This year, the race will start from Çeşme and cross different geographies of Turkey and will be completed in the heart of Turkey, in Ankara, which hosted the TOUR five times between 1969 and 1979. 

Press conference of the 61st Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour hosted by Emin Müftüoğlu, President of the Turkish Cycling Federation: Presidential Security Affairs General Director Hasan Yıldırım, Deputy Governor of Istanbul Ünal Kılıçarslan, Beyoğlu District Governor Abdullah Atakan Atasoy, President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee and T.R. General Director of Sports Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Prof.Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır, Istanbul Youth and Sports Provincial Director Muhittin Özbay, Turkish Cycling Federation Deputy Chairman Fikret Hayali, Vice President Metin Cengiz, Federation Board Members and General Secretary Mehmet Sedat Fırat, as well as representatives of supporting institutions and organizations, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency Sports Marketing Manager Serhan Sarı, Turkish Airlines Sponsorship Manager Yunus Özleyen, Türk Telekom Sponsorship Management Manager Sinem Özmen are the sponsors. It took place with the participation of representatives of the brands, many media members and bicycle families.

The General Director of Presidential Security Affairs, Mr. Hasan Yıldırım; “The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey has grown steadily for more than 60 years since its journey that started in the Marmara Region in 1963 and has become a strong brand on an international scale today. This great organization, which has developed with its traditions, athletes and organizational ability, is not just a sports event; it is one of our most important values that brings Turkey's power, cultural richness and organizational competence to the world stage.

This year, under the high auspices of our President. The 61st Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour will start from Izmir Çeşme on April 26 and end in our capital Ankara on May 3. Along this route, which will proceed on the unique roads of Anatolia, the natural and cultural riches of our country will reach millions of viewers and make a significant contribution to the international promotion of Turkey.

The 61st edition will be held in 8 stages between 26 April and 3 May 2026.We hope that the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour will be a successful organization for our country and the world with the unifying power of sports; I wish success to all our teams and athletes.”

President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee and General Manager of Sports Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır; 

“As we express at every opportunity on behalf of Turkish sports, continuity in sports is of great importance. The fact that the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour is being organized for the 61st time makes the organization more valuable and meaningful in this sense. We continue our efforts to make this organization stronger every year and increase its impact in the world.

Today, we are talking about a broadcasting power that reaches more than 700 million households in more than 200 countries. The high quality of these broadcasts increases the international impact of our tour every year.

From a sporting perspective, we see that this organization, which includes world-class teams, is an important source of experience and inspiration for our athletes. 

The Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye makes significant contributions not only in terms of performance but also in the development of sports culture. We are pleased to observe that cycling culture has become widespread with the stages held in cities such as Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul.

The strategies of the teams during the races, the solidarity between the athletes and the interest of the audience reveal that this sport is getting stronger in our country. The increasing interest of our people in cycling competitions is an important indicator of this development.

It is a great advantage for us to have a President and Ministers who come from sports background and strongly support sports. The contributions of our state to the development of Turkish sports are obvious.

In the coming period, not only road cycling; We aim for a more comprehensive development by focusing on all disciplines such as mountain biking, BMX and track cycling. Our aim is to ensure that Turkish cycling is represented more strongly in the Olympics and to reach a competitive position with the target of medals.

We believe that Turkish cycling will take a stronger place in the international arena in 2032 and beyond. If the 2036 Olympics are held in Istanbul, it is one of our biggest goals to see Turkish cycling at the top.

With the investments made in Konya and the coordination provided, we have taken important steps towards these goals and will continue to do so.” he said.

Istanbul Deputy Governor Ünal Kılıçarslan:“I wish the 61st edition of the Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour, one of the most important and prestigious organizations of our country, to be beneficial and auspicious. In the 58th and 59th organizations held in 2023 and 2024, we completed the process successfully and without any accidents, in line with the coordination decisions taken. I hope it will have a similarly smooth organization this year as well.

I believe that the Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour, in addition to its contribution to the promotion of our country, also plays an important role in the development of cycling sports and the diversification of sports tourism.” he said.

Turkish Cycling Federation President Emin Müftüoğlu; “When we compare the road bicycle usage rates in our country 20-25 years ago with today, we can clearly see how widespread bicycles have become in society. Today, we are talking about a cycling ecosystem that grows with organizations held throughout the year, in which our people, youth and professional athletes actively participate.

We see cycling not only as a branch of sports, but also as a tool that produces social benefit. In this context, together with the Green Crescent, we carry out awareness activities to keep our young people away from addictions and develop projects to make bicycles a part of life.

On the other hand, we have reached a significant representation power in the international arena. Being on the board of directors of the World Cycling Federation is an extremely valuable development for Turkish cycling.In this way, we now take part in decision-making mechanisms and represent our country more strongly.

The Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour is one of the most important building blocks of this development. This organization not only contributes to the international promotion of our country, but also inspires our youth and prepares the ground for the training of new athletes. Today, seeing many young people turning to cycling by following this tour is a great source of motivation for us.

The sporting successes we have achieved in recent years are a concrete indicator of this development. The degrees achieved in track cycling and our participation in international organizations are increasing every year. "Our goal in the coming period is to take a stronger place in the Olympics in the cycling branch and to represent our country in the best way." he said.

1,133.5 Kilometer Great Journey from Çeşme to Ankara

The total 1,133.5 kilometer track will connect the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions throughout 8 stages. Race; Passing through 5 cities, over 20 districts and nearly 60 villages, towns and settlements, it will bring Turkey's local life, production culture and geographical diversity to the world, and will carry the excitement and passion of cycling into the future. 

Starting from İzmir Çeşme on April 26, it will pass through the windy roads of the Aegean, the fertile plains of Aydın and the mountainous geography of Muğla, and reach the Mediterranean coast.

Proceeding along the Marmaris, Fethiye and Kemer line, accompanied by turquoise coasts and forests, the peloton will climb the Taurus Mountains from Antalya and reach the Feslikan summit at an altitude of 1,850 meters; Then it will accelerate again and turn into the stage of sprinters in the Antalya city stage.

This great journey will be completed in the finale in Ankara, in the heart of the Republic of Turkey. The last stage of the race; Beştepe will have not only a sporting but also a symbolic meaning with its track to be run on the axis of the Presidential Complex and Anıtkabir. Thus, the TOUR will present a powerful finale by bringing together Turkey's historical heritage and its modern face on the same stage.

Stage Programme:

1. Stage (26 April): Çeşme – Selçuk (153.1 km) Stage 2 (April 27): Aydın – Marmaris (152.8 km) Stage 3 (April 28): Marmaris – Kıran (132.7 km) Stage 4 (April 29): Marmaris – Fethiye (130.4 km) Stage 5 (April 30): Patara Ancient City – Kemer (181.2 km) Stage 6 (May 1): Antalya – Feslikan Plateau (128.1 km) (Summit Finish -Queen Stage) Stage 7 (May 2): Antalya – Antalya (150 km) Stage 8 (May 3): Ankara – Ankara (105.2 km) (Final) 

 

Summits, sprints and the big fight

On the course, which has a total of 16 sprint points and 9 climbing gates:

• Marmaris – Kıran stage will be the first breaking point of the general classification
• Antalya – Feslikan stage, with its summit finish, will fulfill its destiny as the “Queen Stage” of the tour.
• Patara – Kemer stage will stand out as the longest stage of the race with 181.2 km.
• The total climb exceeding 15,000 meters will challenge cyclists

This structure will offer a race character that is open to all cyclist profiles, from sprinters to climbers, producing different stories every day.

Corporate supporters and sponsors of TUR 2026

61. Presidential Türkiye Bicycle Tour; It will be held under the "presented by" sponsorship of Turkish Airlines, the main sponsorship of Spor Toto and Türk Telekom, the co-sponsorship of Emlak Katılım and the neutral service sponsorship of Shimano. 

Organization; T.R. While it is carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Turkish Cycling Federation, T.R. Ministry of Internal Affairs, T.R. It reveals a strong structure on a national and international scale with the contributions of public institutions and media stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). TRT, Radyo D, Dream Türk, Lig Radyo and TSYD, the media and promotion sponsors of TUR 2026, will further strengthen the organization's reach throughout Turkey with their broadcasts and contents before, during and after the race.

The leading jerseys will run to the target with their sponsors...

61.The leading jerseys of the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour will race to the target together with their sponsors this year.

Turquoise, inspired by the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and known as the "Turkish color" in the world; Sponsored by Türk Telekom, the leader of the general classification will be carried on the shoulders of the athlete and will be the symbol of the TOUR's greatest victory.

The green jersey, representing life, nature and sustainability, will accompany the fierce struggle of the fastest sprinters of the peloton for 8 days, under the sponsorship of Spor Toto.

Red, the color of courage, passion and power, will represent the "King of the Mountains" who scores the highest points in difficult climbs, under the sponsorship of Turkish Airlines.

The white jersey, which represents Turkey's natural, historical and cultural richness, will be given to the leader of the "Turkish Beauties" category, in cooperation with TGA - GoTürkiye, and will symbolize the promotional power of the country throughout the race.

During the 61st Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour, which will take place between 26 April and 3 May, athletes will compete for these jerseys on 8 stages and a 1,133.5-kilometer challenging track.

The leadership struggle, which may change at each stage, brings the excitement of the TOUR to its peak; In the final, in Ankara, in the heart of the Republic, the owner of the turquoise jersey will declare his great victory.

International Peloton

61st. 161 athletes from 23 teams and 27 different countries will compete in the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye. 23 teams participating from the USA, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Hungary and Turkey strengthen the international character of the organization, while the strong European-centered peloton structure; It gains global diversity with teams participating from America and South America. TUR 2026 will bring sports competition to the next level by bringing different cycling cultures together in the same race. 

A total of 23 UCI Teams will compete in TOUR 2026, in 3 WorldTeam, 14 ProTeam, 6 Continental Team categories. Among the teams that will compete in TOUR 2026, there are 4 Continental Teams representing Turkey.  

61. Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey Team List: 

UCI WorldTeam category: 

XDS Astana Team (Kazakhstan), Alpecin–Deceuninck (Belgium), Team Picnic PostNL (Netherlands)

UCI ProTeam category: 

TotalEnergies (France), Cofidis (France), Unibet Tietema Rockets (France), Caja Rural–Seguros RGA (Spain), Burgos-BH (Spain), Equipo Kern Pharma (Spain), Euskaltel–Euskadi (Spain), Bardiani CSF–Faizanè (Italy), Team Polti VisitMalta (Italy), Solution Tech Nippo (Italy), Team Novo Nordisk (USA), Modern Adventure Pro Cycling (USA), Team Flanders–Baloise (Belgium), MBH Bank Ballan CSB (Hungary)

UCI Continental Team category: 

Spor Toto Cycling Team (Turkey), Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Spor (Turkey), İstanbul Team (Turkey), Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club (Turkey), ATT Investments (Czechia), Team Medellin–EPM (Colombia)

Giant organizational power

The Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour, in its 61st year, stands out as one of the biggest sports projects of Turkey with its huge organizational structure. While TOUR contributes to the development of cycling sports, it also plays a strategic role in Turkey's tourism promotion.

The organization; It is carried out with a huge operation involving over a thousand people, including team teams, media representatives, UCI and federation officials, referees, volunteers, health and security teams. In the race convoy; Nearly 350 vehicles, including live broadcast vehicles, media and security motorcycles, ambulances, medical vehicles, motorized police teams, passenger cars, minibuses, trucks and technical support vehicles, will accompany the peloton.

The team structure of hundreds of people, including the teams and their teams, approximately 200 national and international media members, UCI and Turkish referees, hundreds of organization employees and volunteers will constitute the power of the TUR on the field.At each stage, thousands of police and gendarmerie personnel will ensure the safety of the race throughout the 1133.5-kilometer track.

Within the scope of the health organization, peloton ambulances, doctors, emergency response teams and fully equipped medical vehicles are with the athletes throughout the race; With a live broadcast team of approximately 90 people, helicopters, aircraft and high-tech broadcast vehicles, TUR will bring Turkey's natural, historical and cultural richness to the world's screens.

Turkey's power and potential in Cycling Tourism is being introduced to the world with the Presidential Turkey Bicycle Tour... 

While Turkey stands out as a strong destination in many areas of tourism with its rich natural, cultural and geographical values; Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), which works to strengthen Turkey's global tourism brand, positions sports tourism as one of the priority development areas.

With this approach, TGA considers bicycle tourism as a strategic focus area and gives strong support to the Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour. Turkey draws attention with its climate that allows riding 9-10 months of the year, over 200 bicycle routes and tracks integrated into international networks such as EuroVelo 8 and EuroVelo 13. Together with thematic routes such as Antik Pedal, Turkey offers a rich and diverse experience in terms of bicycle tourism.

58 bicycle-friendly facilities located in 16 different cities across Türkiye; With a capacity of approximately 19 thousand 538 rooms and 41 thousand 996 beds, it reveals that the infrastructure in this area is developing rapidly. This strong infrastructure stands out as an important element supporting Turkey's sustainable and experience-oriented tourism vision.

Bicycle tourism, which is growing rapidly around the world, is positioned as one of the strongest areas of sustainable tourism, with the number of bicycle tourists reaching 20-25 million annually, especially in Europe, and an economic volume exceeding 50 billion Euros. In this ecosystem, where the European cycling tourism market has reached a size of approximately 52 billion Euros, the global market is expected to continue to grow by 9-11% in the coming years.

Turkey aims to get a larger share of this growing market with its climate diversity, natural trails and rich cultural heritage. In this regard, approximately 60-70% of the visitors coming to Turkey for bicycle tourism are European countries; Especially markets with high potential such as Germany and the Netherlands stand out.

The strong media network of the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour plays a critical role in promoting this potential on a global scale. 

The global communication power of the Presidential Türkiye Cycling Tour

In live broadcasts made with a huge production team; Turkey's unique geography and cultural riches will be brought to world screens with unique narratives using aircraft, helicopter and motorcycle cameras. Thanks to its strong media network, the Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour will be broadcast in 190 countries and regions in 13 languages ​​on 5 continents, reaching 700 million households.

This visibility provided through 65 television channels, 28 digital platforms, 3 international news agencies and in-flight broadcast networks of airline companies; While it brings TUR together with a wide audience on a global scale, it also turns it into a strong communication platform for sponsor brands. 

In addition to the international reach network of Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), one of the world's largest sports organizations and sports media companies; The global media efforts of the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and the intense media interest in Turkey further expand the area of ​​influence of TUR.

According to the prepared national and international media report, while more than 35 thousand news and content are produced within the scope of TUR; More than 5 billion views and 631 hours of broadcast time have been reached. Thanks to this strong media ecosystem, the TOUR offers an effective communication platform that provides high visibility for brands on television and digital platforms.

The 61st Presidential Turkey Cycling Tour will be broadcast live for 2 hours every day through global broadcasters, especially TRT Spor, TRT Spor Yıldız and Eurosport, for 8 days between 26 April and 3 May; While telling the story of Türkiye, which extends from villages to towns, from cities to peaks, to the world, it will also be a source of inspiration for the new stars of cycling.