L’Étape România by Tour de France unites over 2,000 cyclists in Bucharest

On August 30, L’Étape România by Tour de France brought together more than 2,000 amateur and professional cyclists in a celebration of cycling. This event stands as the largest road cycling event in Romania and Eastern Europe, maintaining its position among the top five of over 30 L’Étape events organized worldwide.

Participants from 22 countries, including Greece, Serbia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Cyprus, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, and Bulgaria, joined the competition. Cyclists from 230 cities and localities across Romania also took part, showcasing the event's wide appeal.

The courses were adjusted to 37 km for The Ride and 75 km for The Race, attracting a diverse range of competitors. The most popular race was The Ride, featuring about 1,200 cyclists, while over 450 participants tackled The Race. Additionally, the City Adventure segment of 14 km saw over 550 participants, including more than 250 children and adolescents under 18, highlighting the event's family-friendly atmosphere.

Inclusivity was a focus, as more than 80 individuals with disabilities participated for free. The event was meticulously organized, with 300 technicians and specialists working alongside over 300 volunteers, ensuring a smooth experience for all. Providing safety were over 400 police and gendarmes, along with more than 100 security and intervention vehicles, and 5,000 safety barriers installed around the course.

The preparation for this grand event took an impressive 10 months, reflecting the dedication of the organizing team led by Răzvan Jugănaru. Notable winners of the races included Kostadin Kostadinov and Kateryna Kalashlinska, who claimed the yellow jersey in The Race, while Nikolay Yovchev Kolev and Cristina Maria Sprînceană excelled in The Ride. Impressively, Sprînceană earned five medals at this edition.

Young talents also shone, with Theodor Ștefan Trica securing first place among juniors aged 15-18 in the Elite category. Other junior athletes, such as Matei Cucu and Tudor Alexandru Ghimus, also made their mark with podium finishes.

In addition to the races, an exhibition dedicated to the Tour de France universe took place in Piața Constituției, further enriching the event experience. Decathlon served as the presenting partner for the 2026 edition, contributing official kits that included jerseys and shoe bags, along with quick repair services for cyclists.

This event not only showcased the spirit of cycling but also fostered community and international connections, proving once again that L’Étape România is a key highlight in the cycling calendar.