Pedaling Through Nature’s Canvas

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Pedaling Through Nature’s Canvas

Gran Fondo Trabzon Debuts on the Black Sea Stage

In a dazzling debut that wove together endurance, scenery, and spirit, the city of Trabzon hosted the first-ever Gran Fondo Trabzon, bringing together cyclists from across Türkiye to race against a backdrop where forested mountains meet the Black Sea.

Kicking off from Maraş Street at 8:30 AM, the event featured two challenging routes—an 84.9 km long course with 2,041 meters of climbing, and a 45.8 km short course with 823 meters of elevation gain. With support from the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Turkish Cycling Federation, and organized by 78 Event, the race transformed the city into a festival of cycling and culture.

From adrenaline-pumping climbs to postcard-worthy descents past Trabzon Stadium and coastal vistas, the race was a sensory journey for every rider.

Winners Who Made History

In the men’s short course, Miraç Akgün of Giresun Ata Cycling Club crossed the finish line first with a time of 01:23:40, while AKUT Club’s Semahat Beyza Ersan claimed victory in the women’s short course in 01:52:37. On the long course, Murat Güç of BauART Cycling Team took top honors among men (02:46:44), and Züleyha Dikbaş of Asperox BikePedia Racing Team topped the women’s leaderboard (03:33:44).

The event also welcomed para-athletes and tandem riders, underscoring its inclusive and community-driven spirit.

Cycling Meets Culture

Coinciding with the Trabzon Cultural Road Festival, the race weekend merged sport with art, gastronomy, and music. Riders and spectators alike experienced more than a race—they immersed themselves in Trabzon’s unique identity, hospitality, and heritage.

With participants from cities like Istanbul, İzmir, Bitlis, Adana, Samsun, and Düzce, the Gran Fondo Trabzon 2025 wasn’t just a sporting event—it was a shared celebration of perseverance, place, and passion.