Antalya: The 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Trkiye is set to begin Sunday, with 161 athletes competing in a prestigious event that organizers say plays an important role in promoting Trkiye internationally. Emin Muftuoglu, head of the Turkish Cycling Federation, highlighted the significance of the milestone event at a press conference, noting the many innovations and heightened excitement surrounding this year's tour.

According to Anadolu Agency, Muftuoglu remarked on the changes and excitement seen during past anniversaries, specifically the 50th, and expressed that the same spirit is felt as they celebrate the 60th edition. He emphasized the event's impact on changing the perception of cycling in Trkiye and noted how television broadcasts have elevated the sport's profile. Muftuoglu also recounted a historic moment in 2015 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan became the first Turkish president to ride a bicycle on public streets, marking a turning point for cycling in the nation.

Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin underscored the race's importance during the event, pointing out its start in Antalya and its conclusion on May 4 in Izmir after eight stages. Sahin mentioned that Europe's and the world's top cycling teams use Trkiye for winter training camps and noted the increase in bicycle-friendly certifications for hotels. He affirmed that the Presidential Cycling Tour of Trkiye remains the most prestigious of these events.

Muftuoglu presented Sahin with a plaque of appreciation following his remarks. The eight-stage race will traverse through key locations including Antalya, Kemer, Kalkan, Fethiye, Marmaris, Akyaka, Aydin, Kusadasi, Selcuk, and Cesme, before concluding in Izmir. The event will showcase Trkiye's premier tourist destinations and will be broadcast live on Eurosport and TRT Spor.