In 2026, Turkey will host the iconic Tour de France atmosphere in two different cities:

The world’s most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France, brings its amateur series L’Étape Series by Tour de France to Turkey in 2026, under the title sponsorship of Maximiles Black, the credit card brand of Türkiye İş Bankası, and Visa.

In 2026, Turkey will host the iconic Tour de France atmosphere in two different cities:

“L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France” on 7 June, and
“L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France” in Istanbul on 20 September.

Organized in 35 cities across 20 countries with the participation of thousands of cycling enthusiasts worldwide, the L’Étape by Tour de France amateur cycling race will meet cyclists in Marmaris on 7 June. Featuring challenging climbs, historical heritage, and breathtaking landscapes where mountains meet the sea, the event will bring the spirit of the Yellow Jersey and the legendary mountain stages of the Tour de France to Turkey’s unique geography.

Organized in collaboration with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)—the organizer of the Tour de France—and 78 Event, known for its value-driven sports projects, this major event will bring cycling enthusiasts from around the world together in Marmaris, a paradise of sports and cycling tourism where the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas meet.

Strong Support Meets in Marmaris for L’Étape

Held in Marmaris under the title sponsorship of Visa and Maximiles Black, the event is supported by Muğla Governorship, Marmaris District Governorship, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Marmaris Municipality, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Muğla Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and the Turkish Cycling Federation.

Sponsors including Yüce Auto-Škoda, Mosso Bikes, Shimano Türkiye, and Martı Resort Marmaris contribute to a strong cooperation model for sports tourism and destination promotion.

Maximiles Black and Visa continue to support the spread of cycling as a lifestyle beyond sport throughout L’Étape by Tour de France’s journey in Turkey. With its roots in bicycle manufacturing and long-standing global support of cycling—especially the Tour de France—Škoda Türkiye continues to contribute to the global development of cycling culture and has supported L’Étape Türkiye for the past two years.

L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France Vision and Goals Shared at the Press Launch

The excitement of Marmaris as the new Turkish stop of L’Étape by Tour de France was introduced at a press launch held on 28 January in Marmaris. Ahead of the race on 7 June 2026, the launch shared the organization’s vision, course structure, and growing sports tourism goals in Turkey.

The launch was attended by Muğla Deputy Governor Halil Serdar Cevheroğlu, Marmaris District Governor Nurullah Kaya, Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü, Turkish Cycling Federation Vice President Metin Cengiz, İş Bankası Retail Banking Marketing Communications Unit Manager Gökçe Görgülü Ölçer, Visa Türkiye Marketing Director Ülkü Yüksel, Yüce Auto-Škoda Marketing Manager Burcu Bozkurt Şafaklıoğlu, A.S.O. L’Étape Series by Tour de France Project Manager Mathieu Clanchin, A.S.O. Strategy and Business Development Project Manager Marin Grisard, and L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France Organization Director & 78 Event General Manager Ömer Kafkas.

Key Statements from the Press Launch

Halil Serdar Cevheroğlu, Deputy Governor of Muğla:

“Muğla is an extremely suitable destination for cycling thanks to its climate diversity, natural geography, and accessibility. Marmaris, with its nature, routes, and infrastructure, is a strong host for a globally renowned event like L’Étape by Tour de France. Hosting this race will significantly enhance the city’s brand value and introduce Marmaris to sports enthusiasts worldwide.”

Nurullah Kaya, District Governor of Marmaris:

“L’Étape by Tour de France Marmaris aligns perfectly with the city’s brand identity and brings the city together around a shared vision. With 2026 declared the ‘Year of Youth,’ international events that promote healthy living, environmental awareness, and youth participation are more important than ever.”

Acar Ünlü, Mayor of Marmaris:

“L’Étape by Tour de France Marmaris brings together the 123-year legacy of the Tour de France with Marmaris’ nature and sports vision. Our goal is to establish this race sustainably in our city and contribute long-term to Marmaris’ sports and tourism brand.”

Metin Cengiz, Vice President of the Turkish Cycling Federation:

“We strongly support events where amateur cyclists can race safely on closed roads, just like professionals. Hosting L’Étape by Tour de France in Marmaris will provide valuable contributions to sports tourism, the local economy, and cycling culture.”

Gökçe Görgülü Ölçer, Türkiye İş Bankası:

“We are delighted to bring this unique Tour de France experience to Marmaris in addition to Istanbul. Hosting the race in different cities will further promote cycling as a lifestyle and contribute to Turkey’s international visibility.”

Ülkü Yüksel, Visa Türkiye:

“Bringing the 120-year heritage of the Tour de France to Turkey—and this year to Marmaris for the first time—is a great source of pride for us. This global event significantly contributes to destination promotion and the local economy.”

Burcu Bozkurt Şafaklıoğlu, Yüce Auto-Škoda:

“Our passion for cycling is embedded in Škoda’s DNA. Supporting L’Étape Türkiye is not merely sponsorship for us; it is a continuation of our commitment to cycling culture.”

Mathieu Clanchin, A.S.O.:

“We are thrilled to announce L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France and confident it will reach the same success level as Istanbul.”

Marin Grisard, A.S.O.:

“With Marmaris joining the series, L’Étape will reach a record 35 events worldwide in 2026. Following Istanbul’s success, 78 Event will deliver Marmaris with the same professionalism and passion.”

Ömer Kafkas, Organization Director & 78 Event General Manager:

“This is not just a race; it is a powerful vision for Turkey’s future in sports tourism. L’Étape Marmaris is a sustainable project that promotes healthy living, supports the local economy, and inspires young people.”

The Route: Where Mountains Set the Rhythm

Long Course – 96 km (Mountain Stage): Long and demanding climbs, high elevation gain, and technical descents.
Short Course – 66 km (Mountain Stage): High tempo, technical corners, and mountainous character over a shorter distance.

Iconic Tour de France Jerseys in Marmaris

Cyclists will compete for the iconic jerseys of the Tour de France tradition:

Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune) for the overall leader,
Polka Dot Jersey for the best climber,
Green Jersey for sprint performance, and
White Jersey for young riders.

Winners Earn the Right to Race in France

Top finishers in their categories at L’Étape Marmaris by Tour de France will earn the right to participate in L’Étape du Tour in France, racing on legendary Tour de France routes alongside the L’Étape Türkiye 2025 winners.

The Series Grows in Turkey: Marmaris and Istanbul

With races in Marmaris and Istanbul in 2026, Turkey becomes one of the countries hosting two L’Étape events, strengthening its position in international sports tourism.

Registrations Are Open

Registrations for L’Étape Marmaris and L’Étape Türkiye are now open. Early registration advantages and special offers for participants registering for both races are available for a limited time.

Detailed information and registration are available at:

https://marmaris.letapeseries.com