L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France 2025 Officially Launched in Istanbul

Following its debut last year, L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France—an event that brings the legendary Tour de France experience to amateur cyclists—will return to Istanbul for its second edition. The official press launch of the 2025 event was held in the historic Sepetçiler Pavilion, unveiling the details of this year’s race.

On Sunday, October 12, the race will start from Beykoz Forest and once again unite the iconic atmosphere of the Tour de France with the unique landscape of Istanbul. Cyclists will ride across two continents, experiencing the city’s historic and natural beauty on an unforgettable course.

A Global Cycling Phenomenon

The Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling race, celebrates its 112th edition this year. Its amateur series, L’Étape, was first launched in 1993 in the Pyrenees and quickly grew into a global phenomenon, offering amateur cyclists the chance to ride on the same roads as the professionals.

Today, L’Étape races are organized in more than 20 of the world’s most beautiful cities, bringing together over 50,000 riders annually. The Istanbul stage is once again set to become a highlight of the series.

Sponsors and Partners

The event is organized by 78 Event with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Istanbul Governorship, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), and the Turkish Cycling Federation.

Visa Maximiles Black returns as the title sponsor, alongside strong partners such as CarrefourSA, SPX, Asperox, Mosso Bikes, and Shimano. The French Consulate in Istanbul will continue its partnership, while Mardin remains the cultural partner, designing the event’s unique trophies.

Key Messages from the Launch

Ünal Kılıçarslan (Istanbul Deputy Governor): Highlighted Istanbul’s role as a host city for international sporting events and emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to engage in sports.
Muhittin Özbay (Istanbul Provincial Director of Youth and Sports): Stressed the value of sport as a language of peace and friendship, underlining the significance of Istanbul hosting the L’Étape race for a second time.
Sezgin Lüle (Deputy General Manager, İş Bankası): Expressed the bank’s commitment to long-term projects that contribute to social development and emphasized their pride in supporting the event once again with the Maximiles Black brand in partnership with Visa.
Samile Mümin (General Manager, Visa Turkey): Pointed out the strong value chain created at the intersection of sports and tourism, noting the economic benefits L’Étape Türkiye will bring to local communities.
Barış Aydınlı (CEO, SPX): Described cycling as a symbol of freedom, agility, and sustainable living, perfectly aligned with the company’s values.
Mathieu Clanchin (Project Manager, L’Étape by Tour de France): Announced that this year’s edition will feature two main routes—105 km and 52.4 km—as well as special activities for families and children, transforming the weekend into a true cycling festival.
Ömer Kafkas (General Manager, 78 Event): Emphasized that L’Étape Türkiye is not only a sporting event but also a strategic step for Turkey’s sports tourism and cultural promotion on the global stage.

A Cycling Festival in Istanbul

L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France 2025 will welcome both amateur and professional riders from around the world to Beykoz Forest on October 11–12, 2025. With its challenging yet scenic routes and a rich program of family-friendly events, Istanbul is set to become the stage for an unforgettable weekend of cycling.

Bringing together the legendary spirit of the Tour de France with the unique geography of Istanbul, this event will once again showcase Turkey as a growing hub for sports, culture, and tourism.