Ankara: The Presidential Cycling Tour of Trkiye is celebrating a major milestone this year as it kicks off its 60th edition, marking the start of a new decade and a fresh chapter in the event's storied history. According to Anadolu Agency, Vladimiros Petsas, events coordinator at the European Cycling Union and race director of the tour, emphasized the significance of reaching 60 editions. He highlighted that not many races around the world have achieved this, noting that while classics like the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France are older, the Tour of Trkiye's longevity reflects strong dedication and resilience. Petsas stated, "It is particularly important because it marks the beginning of a new decade, symbolizing a fresh start and continued growth for the event." He praised the strength of the 2025 lineup, which features top riders from WorldTour, ProTour, and Continental levels, promising an exciting competition for cycling fans. Previous editions of the tour saw participation from top-tier riders such as Mark Cavendish and Jasper Philipsen. Petsas also expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from the Turkish public, mentioning that he felt among friends who share the same passion in Trkiye. Reflecting on his many years of involvement with the tour, he said, "I have been coming to Trkiye for many years, although I don't even remember exactly how long. We are always working to deliver the best organization possible for Trkiye." He noted the strong ties between Trkiye and his native Greece, describing the two countries as 'relatives, neighbors, and partners.' The event, originally launched as the Marmara Tour in 1963, gained international status in 1965 and later came under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, growing into one of the region's most prestigious races. Starting from Antalya on April 27, cyclists will cover 1,153 kilometers over eight stages, passing through renowned Turkish tourism hotspots such as Kemer, Kalkan, Fethiye, Marmaris, Akyaka, Aydin, Kusadasi, Selcuk, and Cesme, before c oncluding the race in Izmir on May 4. The 2025 edition will see 161 cyclists from 23 teams across 13 countries and three continents competing. The race will be broadcast live internationally on Eurosport and domestically on TRT Spor, helping to showcase Trkiye's scenery and cycling culture to a global audience.