L’Étape Romania by Tour de France presented by Decathlon returns to Bucharest on August 30, 2026, bringing the official Tour de France experience back to the heart of the Romanian capital.
The fifth edition of the event will start from Constitution Square, one of Bucharest’s most recognisable urban landmarks, and will transform the city centre into a cycling circuit for amateur riders, experienced cyclists, families and supporters. For one day, some of Bucharest’s most important boulevards will become part of a race atmosphere inspired by the world’s most famous cycling competition.
Registrations for the 2026 edition are now open, with general registration available until August 26, at the end of the day, or until all available places are filled.
Registrations are officially open at: https://romania.letapeseries.com/registration.
Three Routes for Different Cycling Levels
L’étape Romania by Tour de France, presented by Decathlon, is the only event in Romania that delivers the thrill of a world-class cycling event. It is designed as an inclusive cycling event, with routes adapted to different ages, levels of experience and sporting ambitions. Participants can also take part using mountain bikes, while each route includes rankings by age category. Performance cyclists will also have a dedicated classification.
The 2026 edition includes three routes:
- City Adventure – 14 km, open to participants from the age of 7, with a 07:30 start time;
- The Ride – 42 km, for cyclists aged 15 and over, with an 08:30 start time;
- The Race – 85 km, the main competitive route of the event, with a 10:00 start time.
The 85 km route is the emblematic challenge of L’étape Romania, designed for cyclists seeking a complete sporting experience in the style of the Tour de France.
Bucharest Seen from the Bike
The race kicks off from Constitution Square, taking cyclists on a scenic route through Bucharest’s most iconic streets—Calea Victoriei, Kiseleff Boulevard, and Liberty Boulevard—and past historic landmarks such as the Arch of Triumph, the Palace of Parliament, the C.E.C. Palace, City Hall, Army House, and the Romanian Athenaeum.
For visitors, the event also offers a different way to see Bucharest: not only as a capital of historic buildings and wide avenues, but as a city that can become, for one day, an open-air cycling arena.
Everything You Need, Pre- and Post-Race, at the Race Village
The Race Village will be set up in Constitution Square and will become the main meeting point for participants, supporters and visitors throughout the day.
The area will include a Tour de France-themed exhibition, partner activations, a commercial zone with sports equipment and nutrition brands, a food court, relaxation areas, a warm-up space for cyclists, mechanical assistance and massage services.
The event stage will host the winners’ ceremony, contests and special moments prepared by the partners, completing the festival atmosphere around the race.
From Bucharest to L’Étape du Tour
L’Étape Romania is part of the international L’Étape by Tour de France series, created to give amateur cyclists the chance to experience the spirit of the Tour de France in their own cities.
Romania joined the global L’étape by Tour de France calendar in 2022, becoming part of an international circuit that brings together cycling communities worldwide.
For the fastest riders, the Bucharest race also carries international stakes. The top three amateur cyclists in the men’s and women’s rankings of The Race, the 85 km route, will receive access to the L’Étape Championship and an invitation to L’Étape du Tour in France, one of the closest experiences to the Tour de France available to amateur cyclists.
Participation and Accessibility
The event keeps an accessible and inclusive format. People with disabilities benefit from free participation, while children and teenagers up to the age of 18 receive a 15% registration discount.
L’étape Romania by Tour de France, presented by Decathlon, is organised by the Romanian Cycling Federation, ACS MPG and MTB Academy, with institutional support from the French Embassy, Bucharest City Hall and the Romanian Cycling Federation.
Cyclists who want to take part in the 2026 edition can register on the official L’Étape Romania by Tour de France website.
