Tour de France Excitement Has Begun in Marmaris

The district of Marmaris in Muğla will host a world-famous cycling event over the weekend. While the opening of L’Etape by Tour de France Marmaris, the official series for amateur athletes of the Tour de France, was held, the excitement for sports tourism began in the district before the big race.

The event, which will host athletes from different cities of Turkey and various countries around the world, will bring together cycling enthusiasts in Marmaris throughout the weekend. At the opening ceremony held at 19 May Youth Square, sports lovers will have the opportunity to meet world-famous cyclists and leading brands in the sector.

Is Marmaris Opening a New Chapter in Sports Tourism?

Ömer Kafkas, Director of L’Etape Marmaris by Tour de France, stated in his speech at the opening that the event was realized after a long preparation process. Kafkas expressed pride in bringing the amateur series of the Tour de France, one of the world’s most important sporting events, to Marmaris.

Emphasizing that sports tourism is a rapidly growing sector worldwide, Kafkas highlighted Turkey’s significant potential in this field with its natural beauties and strong destinations. He thanked the Muğla Governorship, Marmaris District Governorship, and Marmaris Municipality for their support in the organization and said that Marmaris will become an important center for international sports tourism.

"Marmaris is a Natural Facility for Outdoor Sports"

Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü stated that Marmaris has unique opportunities in terms of outdoor sports. Ünlü said that the district offers a natural course especially for cycling events.

The Mayor noted that such international events will contribute both to the development of sports culture and to the widespread use of bicycles, and stressed that holding the race at this time of the season will also provide significant benefits to Marmaris tourism.

Over a Thousand Personnel Will Be on Duty in the Field

Marmaris District Governor Nurullah Kaya also stated that the organization is carried out under the coordination of the Muğla Governorship. Kaya announced that more than a thousand personnel from security, gendarmerie, health, fire department, forestry, and municipal police teams will be on duty in the field during the race.

Kaya said that thanks to the event, Marmaris’ natural beauties and sports tourism potential will be introduced to the whole world, and that the district will make its name more known in international sports organizations.

These Roads Will Be Closed for the Public Ride on Saturday

Wide-scale traffic arrangements will be implemented in Marmaris due to the event. Within the scope of the "Public Ride" to be held on Saturday, some main arteries will be temporarily closed to traffic.

Atatürk Street, National Sovereignty Street, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Boulevard, Yunus Nadi Street, and Kemal Seyfettin Elgin Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic between 11:00 and 12:00.

Authorities requested citizens to use alternative routes during the specified hours and to follow the directions of the authorized teams.

Broader Restrictions Will Be Applied on Sunday for the Main Race

On Sunday, June 7, when the main race will be held, traffic restrictions will spread to a wider area. Between 08:00 and 12:30, Atatürk Street, National Sovereignty Street, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Boulevard, and Yeni Datça Road, as well as the routes of Hisarönü, Turgut, Selimiye, Bozburun, Söğüt, Bayır, Osmaniye, and İçmeler, will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

In addition, Cumhuriyet Boulevard, Atatürk Square, and 19 May Youth Square will also be closed to traffic during the race.

Authorities asked citizens to plan accordingly during the specified hours for race safety and proper traffic flow.

Challenging Routes Await Athletes

At L’Etape by Tour de France Marmaris, athletes will compete on two different courses. The long course, 96.7 kilometers in length with approximately 1,949 meters of altitude gain, stands out with its challenging climbs, technical descents, and high pace.

The approximately 5-kilometer King of the Mountain (KOM) section between Selimiye and Osmaniye will be one of the most critical stages of the race. The route stretching through the pine forests of the Bozburun Peninsula will offer athletes a significant test both physically and tactically.

Tempo and Technical Turns Will Stand Out on the Short Course

The short course, 65.8 kilometers long with approximately 1,015 meters of altitude gain, stands out with high tempo and technical turns.

The route, which will start from the center of Marmaris, will continue along the İçmeler and Turunç line with a Mediterranean view. Especially the winding coastal road between İçmeler-Turunç stands out as one of the most visual and technical parts of the race.

L’Etape by Tour de France Marmaris, which will host athletes from all over the world, will offer unforgettable moments to sports enthusiasts throughout the weekend and will introduce the natural beauties of Marmaris to millions internationally.