Europe’s Most Famous Cycling Spirit Finds a New Home on the Turkish Coast
L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France Makes a Spectacular Debut
For one weekend in June, the yellow spirit of the Tour de France arrived on Türkiye’s southwestern coast.
More than 700 cyclists from Türkiye and 16 different countries gathered in Marmaris for the inaugural edition of L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France, bringing one of the world’s most iconic cycling brands to the shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean.
But what unfolded was more than a race. It was a weekend where mountain roads, seaside villages, pine forests, and international cycling culture came together in one of Türkiye’s most scenic destinations. For two days, Marmaris transformed into a cycling capital.
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Some races are remembered for their results. Others are remembered for their landscapes. L’Étape Marmaris belonged firmly to the second category.
Starting from the heart of Marmaris, riders rolled out toward the spectacular roads of the Bozburun Peninsula, passing through Hisarönü, Turgut, Bayır, Selimiye, Osmaniye, and İçmeler. The route unfolded like a postcard.
One moment, riders were climbing through fragrant pine forests. Next, they were looking down at turquoise bays, sailing boats, and hidden coves scattered along the coastline. It was the kind of scenery that constantly tempted competitors to glance away from their handlebars—if only for a second.
A Taste of the Tour de France
Since 1993, L’Étape has allowed amateur cyclists around the world to experience the atmosphere of professional cycling’s most prestigious race. Held in more than twenty countries, the series brings riders as close as possible to the feeling of competing in the Tour de France itself. In Marmaris, that feeling was everywhere.
The iconic Škoda lead car guided the peloton. Official Tour de France branding lined the course. Cyclists proudly wore jerseys from L’Étape events in Greece, Italy, and beyond, creating the sense of a global community connected by two wheels and a shared passion for climbing, suffering, and discovery.
For many participants, the event was not simply another race on the calendar. It was a chance to become part of a story that began in the French Alps and now stretches across continents.
The Climb Everyone Talked About
The toughest challenge awaited between Bayır and Osmaniye. This was the King of the Mountain section—the point where conversations ended, and concentration began.
Gradients exceeding 12 percent pushed riders to their limits. The 96.8-kilometer-long course delivered nearly 2,000 meters of climbing, creating a challenge worthy of the Tour de France name.
For some, it became a battle against the clock. For others, a battle against themselves. Yet reaching the summit brought its own reward: panoramic views across one of Türkiye’s most beautiful coastal regions. Pain and beauty arrived together.
More Than a Race, A Cycling Festival
The roads told only part of the story. Back in Marmaris, the atmosphere felt more like a festival than a sporting event.
The Expo Village at 19 May Youth Square became a gathering place for riders, brands, families, and visitors. The Public Ride brought locals into the celebration, allowing residents and visitors to experience the Tour de France atmosphere firsthand. Children posed with bicycles. Visitors explored cycling exhibits.
Conversations flowed between riders from different countries who, despite speaking different languages, all understood the same thing: the joy of being on a bike. For a weekend, cycling became the common language of Marmaris.
Champions Earn More Than a Podium
The long-course victories went to Anton Hrabovskyi (2:59:21) and Şeniz Pamuk (3:47:31), while İsmet Doğanay Yüksek and Aylin Yüce claimed top honors in the short-course categories.
Yet the rewards extended beyond medals. Outstanding performances in Marmaris secured qualification opportunities for L’Étape du Tour 2026, the legendary amateur event held on an official Tour de France mountain stage in the French Alps.
For the athletes who earned their place, Marmaris became more than a finish line. It became a gateway to cycling’s biggest dream.
Why Marmaris Stays With You
There are places built for cycling. Then there are places that seem destined for it. With its endless coastal roads, dramatic climbs, quiet villages, warm climate, and legendary hospitality, Marmaris feels naturally connected to the spirit of L’Étape. The roads challenge you. The scenery rewards you. The atmosphere makes you want to stay longer.
Long after the finish line is packed away, certain images remain.
Maybe it’s the sight of riders climbing above the turquoise bays of the Bozburun Peninsula.
Maybe it’s the moment when the road bends and the Aegean suddenly appears below, shimmering in the afternoon sun.
Or maybe it’s the realization that some of the world’s most memorable cycling experiences aren’t found only in the Alps or Pyrenees—they’re waiting on the Turkish coast.
For those who were there, Marmaris became more than a destination. It became part of the ride. And for those who missed it, the message was simple: The roads are still waiting.
Photos by @letapeturkiye
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