Impact of Tour of Türkiye goes far beyond sports

By Emre Asikci

ANTALYA, Türkiye (AA) - The Tour of Türkiye is a powerful promotional tool for the country, beyond being a cycling competition, according to Emin Muftuoglu, head of the Balkan Cycling Union and Turkish Cycling Federation.

Muftuoglu told Anadolu that 2008 marked a milestone for the race as it had its inaugural live broadcast which helped it expand its reach, and as of last year is being broadcast in more than 190 countries.

"It not only promotes the use of bicycles and the grassroots growth of the sport but also contributes to the overall liveliness of the country," he said.

Muftuoglu said the evolution of the race is evident in the growing number of participants. From a modest five to six cyclists racing in 2006, the "Granfondo" category now attracts an average of 1,500 to 2,000 participants.

"Fortunately, the event has managed to avoid significant negative incidents so far, underlining its success and safety," said Muftuoglu.

He stressed that strengthening the Tour of Türkiye's brand value showcases its prowess and contributes to the overall appeal of Turkish tourism.

The Tour of Türkiye serves as a powerful promotional tool. Renowned cyclists like Mark Cavendish and Jasper Philipsen, the world's best sprinter, actively compete, enhancing the race's brand value, added Muftuoglu.

- Babadag stage

The Fethiye - Babadag stage, also known as the Queen Stage, includes a steep and winding road with plenty of bends to the summit of Babadag at an altitude of 1,937 meters (6,355 feet).

The Babadah stage is the hardest climb ever featured in a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) road race in recent years, with an average slope of 10.4% on the mountain road.

Muftuoglu noted that Babadag gained global recognition and a unique challenge to the race that tests cyclists and contributes significantly to the race's brand value.

Taking into consideration that public perception has shifted over the years, Turks have a great interest in the race.

"While road closures were met with indifference in the past, there is now incredible public support, with spectators actively engaging by taking videos and photos," said Muftuoglu.

He underlined that the Tour of Türkiye evolved into a highly professional event, with changing stage dynamics each year, setting it apart from earlier iterations.

Muftuoglu added that noteworthy in the current edition is the inclusion of a Turkish referee, Koray Cantez, an achievement symbolizing the continuous growth and international recognition of the Tour of Türkiye.

Meanwhile, Cantez became the first Turkish Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) referee for the Tour of Türkiye.

Starting from the Alanya district of Antalya on Sunday and ending in Istanbul on Oct. 15, cyclists will travel 1,235 kilometers (767 miles) in the Turkish Riviera by the end of the eight-day race.