On August 31st, the capital will once again become the stage for one of the most spectacular amateur cycling competitions in the world – L’Étape Romania by Tour de France presented by Decathlon. For one day, Bucharest will be “closed to cars, open to cyclists,” with the event temporarily shutting down traffic on key roads throughout the city between 07:00 and 14:00.
Now in its fourth edition, the event brings the unmistakable spirit of the Tour de France to Romania and promises an unforgettable day for over 2,500 participants, supported by thousands of spectators, friends, and families.
Registrations are still open!
Traffic Restrictions in Bucharest on August 31st
On August 31st, between 07:00 and 14:00, the following streets and major roads in Bucharest will be closed to traffic: Bulevardul Unirii, Bulevardul Mircea Vodă, Splaiul Unirii (towards the city center), Bulevardul Decebal, Bulevardul Basarabia, Calea Victoriei, Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, Bulevardul Schitu Măgureanu, Știrbei Vodă Street, Ion Câmpineanu Street, Șoseaua Kiseleff, Buzești, Berzei, Vasile Pârvan, Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu Streets, and Bulevardul Libertății.
The organisers are working closely with the Traffic Police to identify the best alternative routes.
The Start: Right in Front of the Romanian Palace of Parliament
L’Étape Romania is more than a race – it’s a celebration of cycling as a way of life. Participants will experience the thrill of a spectacular start in front of the Palace of Parliament – an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic Tour de France finishes on the Champs-Élysées.
With a format inspired by the Tour de France and adapted to the capital, the routes offer variety, visual spectacle, and a safe cycling experience on roads completely closed to traffic.
Routes, Event Schedule and Race Village
The three routes of the event are tailored to different age groups and experience levels:
- City Adventure – 14 km: for participants aged 7 and up;
- The Ride – 42 km: open to participants aged 15 and up;
- The Race – 85 km: for cyclists aged 15 and up, seeking a true athletic challenge.
The Race Village will once again be located in Constitution Square. It will serve as the event hub and a meeting point for cycling enthusiasts, recreating the atmosphere of major international tours:
- 07:30 – Start for City Adventure route (14 km);
- 08:30 – Start for The Ride route (42 km);
- 10:00 – Start for The Race route (85 km);
- 13:30 – Awards ceremony and special activations for participants and spectators.
Festival Atmosphere
Participants will have access to three refreshment points (Start/Finish, National Arena, Victoriei Square), along with fixed and mobile technical support throughout the race.
The event is supported by professional medical teams, including SMURD ambulances (type C), ready to respond in case of emergency.
Constitution Square will transform into a true cycling festival:
- Tour de France exhibition;
- Sports expo area (equipment & nutrition);
- Food court & relaxation zone;
- Massage and physical warm-up area, prize competitions;
- Main stage for activations and awards.
“L’Étape Romania by Tour de France is more than a race – it’s a collective experience, a celebration of an active lifestyle, and a moment of inspiration for the city and community. With each edition, we grow in quality, diversity, and impact. We invite you to join us on August 31st for the most beautiful cycling story in Romania, where we have the honor of once again hosting His Excellency Mr. Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of France to Romania.” – said Tudor Ștefan Mocuța, CEO of MPG.
Visit Bucharest is proudly one of the media partners of this event.
Up-to-date information about L’Étape Romania by Tour de France can be found on the official website https://romania.letapeseries.com/ and social media: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/letaperomania and Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/letaperomania/.
