Photo: klarmedia.ro
The Tour de France atmosphere in the heart of Bucharest
Sunday, 30 August 2026 · Bucharest, Romania
Three fully-closed urban routes. One iconic brand. Join 2,500+ cyclists racing through the heart of Romania's capital on closed boulevards under official Tour de France colours.
About the event
L'Étape Romania by Tour de France is the only Romanian cycling event officially backed by the world's most prestigious bike race. On 30 August 2026, central Bucharest closes its streets so 2,500 riders — from first-timers to veterans — can experience the unmistakable atmosphere of the Tour. Three distances, one start village, and a finish straight modelled on the Champs-Élysées.
Three distances
Fully closed roads, professional timing, and the official Tour de France experience for every level of rider.
Compete with Romania's strongest amateurs
The flagship distance. 75 km of closed Bucharest boulevards, chip-timed and ranked. Open to confirmed amateurs targeting a competitive finish under the L'Étape Romania finish arch.
Register for L'Étape Romania→The Tour atmosphere, intermediate distance
A 37-kilometre route on the same closed circuit as The Race. Perfect for riders who want the full L'Étape experience without committing to the full distance.
Register for L'Étape Romania→Family-friendly ride for everyone
A short, flat 14-km loop designed for kids, beginners, and families riding together. The most inclusive way to be part of L'Étape Romania.
Register for L'Étape Romania→Why ride here
The only Romanian event in the global L'Étape series. The same brand, signage, and finish-line production used at Tour de France stages.
Every kilometre is closed to traffic. Ride downtown Bucharest the way pros do — no cars, no compromises.
From a 14-km family ride to a 75-km competitive race, the same closed circuit welcomes first-timers and seasoned racers.
2,500+ riders, an expo village, kit pickup, kids' activities, and a city centre that turns over to bikes for one weekend in August.
Course
All three distances share the same circuit, looping through Bucharest's boulevards and finishing on a closed straight in the city centre. Fully marshalled, professionally timed, with feed zones and aid stations along the route.
Weekend programme
Two days of expo, kit pickup, kids' activities, and a Sunday morning of closed-road racing.
Sâmbătă 29 august: ridicarea kiturilor de participare (până la 19:00, Race Village)
Deschiderea Race Village (zona de start/sosire)
Deschiderea culoarului de start City Adventure 14 km
START City Adventure 14 km
Deschiderea culoarului de start The Ride 37 km
START The Ride 37 km
Deschiderea culoarului de start The Race 75 km
START The Race 75 km
Timp limită pentru intrarea în turul 2 la The Race 75 km
Sfârșitul cursei și deschiderea completă a traseului
Ceremonia de premiere și tombolă
Past edition
2,500
cyclists rode the streets of Bucharest in August 2025
The 4th edition (August 2025) saw the biggest field yet — first-timers, club racers, families, and visiting cyclists from across Europe lining up at the L'Étape Romania start.
FAQ
Pre-registration ran from 22 to 29 June 2026, and general registration opened on 30 June 2026 at romania.letapeseries.com.
The Race (75 km, +200 m, 10:00 start), The Ride (37 km, +100 m, 08:30 start), and the City Adventure (14 km, +50 m, 07:30 start) — all on the same fully-closed circuit in central Bucharest.
Race kit pickup is only on Saturday 29 August, 10:00–19:00, at the Race Village in Piața Constituției. Bring photo ID and your registration confirmation — there is no pickup on race day.
A road or hybrid bike in good mechanical condition is recommended for The Race and The Ride. The City Adventure welcomes any safe bike — gravel, hybrid, e-bike, or kids' bikes. Helmets are mandatory for all participants on all distances.
Any rider aged 7 or over (born before 31 December 2019) can take part. The Race (75 km) and The Ride (37 km) have a minimum age of 15, with age categories from 15–18 upward. The City Adventure (14 km) is the family distance, open from age 7, with categories 7–10, 11–13, 14–18 and 19+.
L'Étape Romania has always been held rain or shine. Only severe weather affecting safety would cause a delay or rerouting; organisers will communicate any changes through the official channels and on-site PA.
Parking in central Bucharest is limited on race day because of the road closures. We strongly recommend public transport (metro/bus), bike-to-start, or staying at a partner hotel within walking distance of the event village.
Refund and transfer terms are set by the official organiser. Check the L'Étape Romania official site (romania.letapeseries.com) for the current policy before registering.
Pre-registration ran 22–29 June 2026, with general registration open from 30 June. Don't wait — the 2025 edition sold out.
