Yüce Auto Skoda is sponsoring the L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France races, which will be held for the third time this year, for the second time with the passion for cycling in its brand’s genes. The press conference of L’Étape Türkiye, the official amateur series of the Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling race, in Istanbul; In addition to sponsors and press members, the Deputy Governor of Istanbul, Istanbul Youth Provincial Sports Director, General Director of International Organizations of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the President of the Turkish Cycling Federation attended the event. L’Étape Türkiye, carrying the amateur spirit of the Tour de France, one of the most prestigious cycling organizations in the world, will be held in Istanbul for the third time on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France, which will be organized with the support of Yüce Auto-Škoda, will offer participants the opportunity to experience the professional racing atmosphere, while also bringing together the unique geography of Istanbul with cycling. The race, which will start from Beykoz Sports Forest, will stand out with its track that combines nature and city passes accompanied by a view of the Bosphorus. It is expected that 2,500 athletes from approximately 50 different countries will participate in the organization in 2026.
“Škoda has bicycles in its roots”
Touching on the importance of this exciting event for the brand at the L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France press conference, Yüce Auto-Škoda General Manager Zafer Başar“As Škoda, we find it extremely valuable to bring the cycling culture to a wider audience with organizations such as L’Étape by Tour de France, the amateur series of the Tour de France. In this regard, we are very happy to be a part of this excitement in Türkiye. The bicycle has a very important place in the DNA and roots of Škoda. Laurin and Klement, who laid the foundations of the brand in 1895, started their first business by designing a bicycle. They named it ‘Slavia’. The bicycle represents the birth of Škoda. For more than 130 years, the bicycle has always been an inspiring element for Škoda. Based on this heritage, we see the bicycle as one of the mobility vehicles of the future at every opportunity. We are very happy to be a part of this organization that aligns with these values.
We already have a long-term cooperation with the Tour de France. It is very valuable for us to contribute to bringing this strong cooperation to Türkiye, to support young people’s interest in sports and to make a unique city like Istanbul more visible in the international arena. I believe that this race will be very enjoyable for everyone. On this occasion, we invite sports fans of all ages to join this organization and be a part of this excitement.” he said.
The spirit of the Tour de France is on the streets of Istanbul
L’Étape Türkiye by Tour de France will offer an unforgettable racing experience to amateur cyclists with its tracks that appeal to participants of different levels. While the long track requires a combination of endurance and technical skill with its distance of 105 kilometers and a total climb of 1,583 meters, the short track of 52.4 kilometers will provide a more balanced and performance-oriented driving experience.
The Public Ride, which will be held on September 13, 2026 before the race, will bring the spirit of the Tour de France to the center of the city. This special ride, which will start from Üsküdar and end at Sepetciler Pavilion in Fatih, will be open to cyclists of all levels. Within the scope of the organization, a bicycle festival and activities for children and families will also be held in Beykoz Sports Forest.
Automobile Magazine – English
