"The 'Tour of Armenia' international professional multi-stage cycling race is not merely a project; it reflects strategic approaches toward enhancing Armenia's international visibility, boosting tourism appeal, and developing cycling," stated Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, during today's press conference dedicated to the launch of the event.
Following nearly two years of preparatory work, Armenia is ready to host a major international cycling competition for the first time.
The press conference outlined the event's schedule for September 10–13, including routes, international broadcasting capabilities, and development prospects. Sixteen teams from various countries will participate, including a team representing Armenia. Over four stages, cyclists will cross various communities and roads across Armenia, culminating in the grand finale in Yerevan at Republic Square.
"This is indeed a very significant event; in just a few days, we will see the results of our joint efforts," noted the Minister, adding that holding the final event at Republic Square carries symbolic meaning, as this year marks the centenary of the commencement of the square's construction. She highlighted that the competition also provides an opportunity to showcase Yerevan's architecture to an international audience.
Prime Minister's Cup School Cycling Competition Alongside Tour of Armenia
Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that the Tour of Armenia is a continuation of consistent state policy aimed at developing cycling. In recent years, the "RA Prime Minister's Cup" school road cycling competition has been established, bicycles have been acquired for schools, and the Cycling Sports School is undergoing full reconstruction to be operational soon.
This year, the "RA Prime Minister's Cup" school road cycling competition will take place during the Tour of Armenia on September 11 and 12, allowing school students to interact with professional cyclists and draw inspiration from them.
Olympic Champion Samuel Sánchez Named Official Ambassador
The official ambassador for Tour of Armenia 2026 is Spanish cyclist Samuel Sánchez, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Road Race Champion. Throughout his professional career, he also achieved notable success in prestigious Grand Tours such as the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.
Tour of Armenia: An Opportunity to Enhance Visibility and Appeal
According to the Minister, the competition will showcase over 500 km of Armenian roads, adjacent communities, and landscapes on international platforms, contributing to tourism appeal and global visibility. "The Tour of Armenia is not just a project for us; it reflects our strategic approach not only toward sports development but also toward making our country more visible and attractive," she said.
She added that the Tour of Armenia continues the policy of hosting major international sporting events. This year, Armenia has hosted the European Shooting Championships, the World Sambo Cup, as well as basketball and tennis competitions. Upcoming events include the 10th Francophonie Games, the World Weightlifting Championships, and the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The Ministry aims to make the Tour of Armenia an annual event and raise its classification status in the future; it is currently registered on the UCI calendar as a Class 2.2 race.
Armenian Cyclists Complete Final Training in Dilijan
Cyclists representing Armenia are holding their final training sessions in Dilijan, where all participating teams are based. The Armenian roster includes both local and invited athletes with notable achievements in road cycling.
The Minister stressed that the long-term goal is to make Armenian athletes competitive in international competitions and championships, with the ultimate target being success at the Olympic Games. "It may seem like a distant goal right now, but no goal comes closer without dedicated effort," she remarked.
A Key Catalyst for Armenian Cycling Development
Khoren Zargaryan, Director of the Sports Management Center, emphasized that organizing the inaugural race is a challenging and highly responsible task that contributes to capacity building and experience.
Ara Sadoyan, President of the Armenian Cycling Federation, noted that the Tour of Armenia can serve as a vital catalyst for local cycling development. He announced that Armenia has been confirmed to host the European U23 Track Cycling Championships in 2029, with preparations already underway.
"We hope to host World Championships in Armenia in the future. This serves as a great start for cycling and can fundamentally transform the role and position of Armenian cycling on the international stage," said Sadoyan.
Presenting Armenia to the World Through Sports: International Broadcasts
Michele Napoli, CEO of RCS Sports and Events DMCC, stated that the project was founded on the vision of presenting Armenia to the world through sports: "When we met over two years ago to begin this work, we shared a single vision: to present this magnificent country and its breathtaking landscapes to the entire world through sports."
The race will be broadcast on several international platforms, including HBO Max, Zhibo TV, ESPN, and SBS. Coverage and highlights will also feature on Eurosport, CNN, Sky Sport, Sportitalia, L’Équipe, and other media outlets. The race will stream on the official Tour of Armenia YouTube channel, and the final stage in Yerevan on September 13 will be broadcast live on Public Television of Armenia (AMPTV).
Napoli highlighted that such extensive international reach for an inaugural edition is a major achievement, enabling cycling fans worldwide to discover Armenia while following the race.
"In Some Sections, Roads Are Better Than in Italy"
Fabrizio D’Amico, Chief Operating Officer of RCS Sports and Events DMCC, commended the quality of the routes, noting their strong impression during initial site inspections.
"The roads are in very good condition. Honestly, we often remark that in some sections, they are in better shape than in Italy," said D’Amico.
He added that necessary preparation work was executed along specific stretches to ensure rider safety and praised the support of local authorities and the Government of Armenia, concluding: "We are fully prepared for the race."
Race Schedule
The "Tour of Armenia" professional multi-stage cycling race running from September 10 to 13 covers 4 stages, a total distance of 568 km, and 5,300 meters of elevation gain. The route traverses Gegharkunik, Tavush, and Lori regions before concluding in Yerevan:
- September 10: Gavar – Mets Masrik
- September 11: Kirants – Stepanavan
- September 12: Martuni – Dilijan / Parz Lake
- September 13: Yerevan