This weekend, the town of Peshtera, located in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, will host the third edition of the unique amateur road cycling race in Bulgaria, L'Etape BULGARIA by Tour de France. The event has established itself as one of the most popular in the country over the past two years and promises to provide unforgettable moments for cycling enthusiasts.

A record number of participants will be at the starting line - over 1,100 cyclists, including 76 from 16 different countries. They will compete in two distances - 58 km and 112 km, on a specially prepared route following the model of the legendary Tour de France.

Unique Format and Route

The competition will begin on Sunday morning with a neutral start, similar to professional races. Participants will parade through the streets of Peshtera for 4 kilometers, after which the official start of the main race will be given.

For the first time, L'Etape BULGARIA will have its start and finish in Peshtera. The routes have been carefully selected and categorized by experts, offering different levels of difficulty for beginners and experienced cyclists. The courses pass through the picturesque Rhodope Mountains, reaching the highest point of 1,350 meters above sea level at the Saint Constantine resort.

Iconic Awards

Winners in various categories will receive the iconic Tour de France jerseys:

  • Yellow jersey for the first to finish the stage
  • Green jersey for the best sprinter
  • Polka dot jersey for the best climbers
  • White jersey for the best young rider

In addition to the prestigious jerseys, the top three men and women in the general classification of both distances will receive free entry to L'Etape du Tour 2026 in France, which will take place on one of the stages of the Tour de France 2026.

This unique event not only promotes cycling in Bulgaria but also provides an opportunity for local athletes to experience the atmosphere of the world-famous Tour de France, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and sporting spirit in the country.