Türkiye stands out as a true cyclist’s paradise worldwide thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, rich and unique ancient heritages, and year-round cycling-friendly climate. With an extensive network of trails catering to road, mountain, gravel and e-bike riders, Türkiye offers diverse cycling routes for all levels. İstanbul’s intercontinental roads, coastal routes like EuroVelo 8 in İzmir and adventurous mountain trails in Anatolia are just some of these. Türkiye is also a prime destination for professional and amateur cycling events. From the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye (27 April – 4 May) to the L’Etape Türkiye by Tour de France in İstanbul on October 11-12, many bicycle races offer unique opportunities for riders to experience Türkiye’s challenging routes.
Here is the line-up for 2025:
One of the exciting additions to Türkiye’s cycling calendar this year is the Tour of Pedalia, set to take place in Turkish Riviera’s pearl, Antalya, from February 14-16. More than 80 cyclists who will race in 11 cycling teams representing different countries are poised to descend upon the city for this highly anticipated tour, a part of Pedalia’s winter cycling series. The athletes will compete on a 203-km route highlighting Antalya’s unique blend of history, nature, and modern infrastructure. The race, debuting this year, will also feature many events, including concerts, children’s bicycle races, public walks, workshops, and more.
Gran Fondo, which allows amateur road cyclists to test themselves, is another race to be integral to Türkiye’s cycling scene this year. Within the competition’s scope, 16 races will be held in 13 provinces throughout the year. In spring, the city’s charming seaside town of Kemer will host Grand Fondo on April 18-19, showcasing its lovely beaches, unspoiled bays with turquoise waters and 13 cycling routes — five for road bikes and eight for mountain biking.
Gran Fondo’s excitement will also create a buzz in Türkiye’s Aegean region, famous for its stunning coastline, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle. Bodrum and Fethiye, where the Mediterranean and Aegean meet, will host the region’s first races. Bodrum Gran Fondo on April 5-6 will blend scenic rides with cultural exploration along the town’s beautiful shoreline, while Fethiye Gran Fondo on April 12-13 will take cyclists through picturesque villages, olive groves, and vineyards offering breathtaking mountain and sea views. Gran Fondo will kick off in the Marmara region with races in Bursa, a city that beautifully blends history, rich cuisine, and nature, on May 24-25.
Gran Fondo will also bring thrilling challenges to the scenic, lush and oxygen-rich Black Sea region. The competition’s Black Sea leg will kick off in Samsun, a modern yet historic city with gorgeous natural sights, on May 17-18. Grand Fondo will also take riders through the fairy tale land of Cappadocia and the capital, Ankara. On June 14-15, Cappadocia will captivate cyclists with its unique terrain of fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and sweeping valleys.
Trabzon will welcome riders on June 28-29, where bikers will pedal through the lively coastal city, soaking in panoramic views. Then, Ankara will host its Gran Fondo on August 23-24, inviting cyclists to explore the capital’s rich history, stunning landmarks, and vibrant city atmosphere. Gran Fondo Zonguldak will follow on August 30-31, taking participants on an exhilarating journey through the rugged terrain and green hills of Zonguldak, with spectacular sea vistas. The Gran Fondo’s excitement in the Black Sea will conclude in Rize, famous for its tea plantations, stunning waterfalls, and mountain routes that challenge even the most experienced riders, on September 13-14.
Kicking off the season, Gran Fondo Ayvalık will take place on September 6-7, inviting cyclists to ride through olive groves, coastal cliffs, and the charming streets of this historic town. Just a few weeks later, Gran Fondo Pamukkale on September 20-21 will offer a one-of-a-kind experience, with routes passing by Denizli’s stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. As autumn deepens, Gran Fondo Çeşme on October 25-26 will combine challenging routes with breathtaking sea views, winding through vineyards and thermal springs in one of Türkiye’s most beloved coastal towns.
In autumn, another Gran Fondo race in Antalya on November 6-9 will let cyclists enjoy the city’s mild autumn climate while exploring its breathtaking landscapes. Finally, the race will conclude in the Aegean region with Gran Fondo İzmir on November 22-23, taking riders on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant city, from its historic heart to its picturesque shoreline. ///nCa, 20 February 2025 (in cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye to Turkmenistan)