L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France
Where Continents Meet and Pedals Tell a Story
It rained all through the night in İstanbul. By dawn, the clouds began to lift over Beykoz’s emerald forests, revealing glistening roads and a crisp October chill. But nothing could dampen the spirit of the 2,015 riders gathered at the start line of the Visa Maximiles Black L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France, ready to race across continents, over bridges, and into cycling history.
This was no ordinary race. It was a celebration of sport, culture, and connection—an event that turned İstanbul’s unique geography into a living Tour de France stage. From the blue waters of the Bosphorus to the Black Sea’s rugged coastline, from Asia to Europe, the city became a canvas for thousands of spinning wheels.
Bridges, Forests, and a Continental Sprint
The start at Beykoz Sports Forest crackled with energy. As the horn sounded, cyclists surged forward over rain-slick roads, their breath visible in the crisp morning air. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge quickly emerged as the day’s symbolic centerpiece: the Škoda Sprint Gate, straddling two continents, saw thousands race the wind from Asia into Europe—a moment that blended the spirit of the Tour with the soul of İstanbul.
The 105 km long course challenged riders with steep climbs through Polonezköy, winding roads along Riva, and strategic sprints through Paşamandıra. The 52 km short course, equally dynamic, offered its own tests on İstanbul’s rolling terrain. Despite slick roads from the previous night’s rain, the atmosphere was pure adrenaline.
The men’s long course brought a thrilling rematch, as Gökhan Uzuntaş—last year’s runner-up—overtook 2024 champion Anton Hrabovskyi to claim the crown with a time of 02:56:58. Their duel on İstanbul’s roads added a new chapter to a young but already storied race. On the women’s side, Gökçe Demirsoy claimed the long-course crown in 03:14:34, while Murat Uslu and Sevcan Alper Özcan led the short course with fearless rides that embodied the spirit of the day.
But this was never just about who stood on the podium. It was about the thousands who showed up on a chilly autumn morning, legs trembling with anticipation, hearts synced to the rhythm of the peloton. After the finish, the celebration stretched far beyond the tape: 10 high-performance bicycles and 3 elegant timepieces found new owners through special prize draws, while brands like Züber, Asperox, CarrefourSA, Arabica, and Orkide Yağları kept spirits high with treats and energy all day long. For many, it wasn’t a medal that marked the memory—it was the sound of cleats clicking on the damp pavement, the sight of the Bosphorus flashing beneath their wheels, and the feeling that they were part of something bigger.
A Trophy with a Soul: From Mardin to the World
This year’s podium carried more than medals. The champions raised a trophy born from the cradle of civilization—designed in Mardin, inspired by wheat stalks, and sculpted into an infinite DNA helix. Under the motto “The DNA of Civilization,” the trophy unites the roots of agriculture, the march of science, and the legacy of Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar into a single form.
Carved from the ancient stones of Mesopotamia, it stands as a salute to both the past and the future—a uniquely Turkish contribution to the global Tour de France narrative.
Global Broadcasts, Local Energy
The event was carried live by HT Spor, S Sport, D-Smart, BloombergHT TV, Sports TV, TRT Spor Yıldız, and Tabii Spor 6, reaching millions across Türkiye and beyond.
On the ground, the energy was fueled by exceptional voices:
- Selçuk Salih Başhan, with his vibrant hosting, ignited the spirit of local riders.
- Hakan Emden’s charisma and infectious energy lit up the start line, bringing warmth and elegance that resonated with international riders and turned the atmosphere into a true celebration of cycling.
- Çağlar Demirel, the beloved voice of Radyo D, kept the atmosphere alive with tireless interviews and flowing commentary that matched the rhythm of the peloton itself.
A Global Invitation
More than a race, L’Étape Türkiye has become a signature experience for İstanbul — a city where a single ride takes you from ancient empires to modern skylines, from sea level to forest climbs, and from one continent to another. Supported by Türkiye’s leading institutions and global brands, the event reflects the country’s growing role as a world-class sports tourism destination.
Blending the prestige of the Tour de France with İstanbul’s unmatched geography, L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France has quickly secured its place as one of the most unique cycling experiences on the world calendar. Beyond its breathtaking route, what makes this race unforgettable is the warmth of the people, the city’s natural beauty, and its timeless spirit of hospitality.
For thousands of riders, crossing the Bosphorus on two wheels isn’t just a sporting challenge—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Next year, the bridge awaits.
