Marmaris gears up for leading presidential cycling tour

MUĞLA

Preparations are underway in the southwestern province of Muğla’s Marmaris as the coastal resort town gears up to host three key stages of the 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye, the country's premier road cycling race.

Held under the auspices of the Turkish presidency and supported by the Sports Ministry, the tour will begin on April 26 in the western province of İzmir’s Çeşme and conclude in the capital Ankara on May 3.

The multi-stage race will take riders through diverse landscapes across the western province of Aydın, the southwestern province of Muğla’s Marmaris and Fethiye, and the southern city of Antalya and its coastal town of Kemer, offering a mix of coastal and inland terrain.

Marmaris will play a central role in this year’s race, hosting three consecutive stages: Aydın–Marmaris on April 27, Marmaris–Kıran on April 28 and Marmaris–Fethiye on April 29.

Local authorities have announced temporary traffic regulations due to the race, with key routes subject to partial closures at certain times. Residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes during the event.

The race forms part of a broader national cycling push, as the Turkish Cycling Federation rolls out an ambitious 2026 calendar aimed at expanding the sport’s reach across the country.

The 2026 season includes events across road, track, mountain bike, BMX and paracycling disciplines, with competitions scheduled in cities such as Istanbul, Mersin, Samsun, Isparta and Kahramanmaraş. 

Another highlight of the calendar is the Tour of Istanbul, scheduled for Sept. 3–6, further cementing Türkiye’s role as a host of major international cycling competitions.