L'ETAPE TÜRKİYE

OPENING

Istanbul… the city of two continents, a thousand stories, and a single breath.
Here, the tempo never slows down.
In traffic, on the hills, on the bridges — everyone is part of a race.
But this race is a little different.
This is the moment when the pedal meets Istanbul.
L’Étape, the amateur race format of the Tour de France, returns to Istanbul this year…
and it stands as the only L’Étape in the world that connects two continents.

TOUR DE FRANCE CONNECTION

Since 1903, the Tour de France has been regarded as the pinnacle of professional cycling.
Watched by millions every year, it’s not just a sporting event — it’s a symbol of endurance, strategy, and discipline.
L’Étape is the amateur version of this legend.
Organized by the Tour de France, it offers cycling enthusiasts the chance to experience what it’s like to race under professional conditions.
L’Étape Türkiye brings that same spirit to life once again — across both sides of the Bosphorus.

COURSE AND CITY

With its geography, Istanbul provides a truly unique setting for this race.
The two routes — 105 and 52.4 kilometers — start on the Asian side, loop through Europe, and finish back in Asia.
Early in the morning, riders cross the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, pedaling along a route like no other in history.
The total elevation gain reaches 1,800 meters.
Each section of the route reveals a different scenery, a different character: city center, forest roads, coastline, and climbs...
This diversity makes L’Étape Türkiye one of the most distinctive races on the global calendar.

PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION

An event of this scale is the result of months of planning.
On race day, roads are closed to traffic, and hundreds of volunteers, technical teams, and security units work together.
Every stage of the process follows the international standards of the Tour de France.
Course safety, timekeeping, medical support, and communication infrastructure are managed with the same professional system.
Every detail is designed so that athletes can focus on a single goal: reaching the finish line.

ATHLETES AND PARTICIPATION

More than 1,500 athletes from over 30 countries take part in L’Étape Türkiye.
Among them are experienced amateur cyclists who’ve been riding for years — and others who are experiencing the thrill of racing for the first time.
Here, the goal is not just ranking — it’s about testing endurance, finishing the race, and being part of the moment.

RACE DAY

8 a.m. Istanbul is quiet.
Hundreds of cyclists stand ready at the start line.
The air is mild, the wind blows from the north.
As the race begins, the city transforms completely for a few hours.
No cars cross the bridge — only the sound of chains, the wind, and the rhythm of the pedals.
The two sides of Istanbul unite once again — this time, through pedal power.

ON THE COURSE

The first kilometers form a flat, fast line.
As the peloton advances in harmony, the tempo shifts with the Bosphorus breeze.
Once the climb begins toward the north, the race turns into a completely individual challenge.
Athletes are now racing not just against time — but against the incline, the wind, and their own endurance.
The average gradient is six percent, with some sections exceeding ten.
This challenge defines the true essence of L’Étape.

CHECKPOINTS AND SUPPORT SYSTEM

There are four support stations along the route.
Here, riders can refuel, hydrate, and get technical assistance.
Each station includes a timing control point, recording the rhythm of the race.
Just like in the Tour de France, L’Étape Türkiye operates with a fully measurable data infrastructure.
Every cyclist’s performance is tracked throughout the stage with an electronic chip system.

BEHIND THE ORGANIZATION

Throughout the race, hundreds of staff members remain in constant communication.
Information from the checkpoints is transmitted to the central control team.
This structure is the local adaptation of the Tour de France’s international system —
the same software, the same operation, the same safety protocols.
Everything is designed to deliver a professional race atmosphere for every participant.

FINISH LINE

After a long and challenging ride, athletes reach the finish line.
This is more than just an endpoint — it’s where every participant completes their personal journey.
No matter the result, every finisher is celebrated.
Each athlete who receives their medal becomes part of the L’Étape experience.

FESTIVAL AREA AND ATMOSPHERE

Soon after the race, the area turns into a lively festival ground.
Sponsor booths, Tour de France visuals, music, and food stands fill the space.
Participants and spectators share the same atmosphere.
This event has become one of the most influential forces in growing cycling culture in Türkiye.

CLOSING

L’Étape Türkiye carries the amateur spirit of the Tour de France into Istanbul.
As the only race in the world held between two continents, it holds a special place on the global calendar.
Professional discipline, amateur passion, and a one-of-a-kind city...
For one day, Istanbul becomes the center of the cycling world.
This race is more than an organization — it’s the common language of cycling, the city, and sport itself.