ISTANBUL

The countdown has started for the 56th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, which will bring together high-level bicyclists and teams across the world between April 11-18.

"Being promoted to World Tour category unique intercontinental cycling tour of the world will witness a high-level competition of world-renowned athletes and teams in 2021," Tour of Turkey said in a statement.

Tour of Turkey added that since 2008, the event received a vast access network worldwide through live and recorded broadcasts through national and international esteemed channels -- primarily Eurosport. This year's event would be broadcasted in 120 countries.

The Turkish Cycling Federation will organize this year's competition, which was suspended last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tour will be held under eight stages from April 11 to 18.

The event began in 1963 as 'Marmara Tour' and acquired an international status in 1965 for the first time, and was taken under Presidential authority's auspices in 1966.

Official route of cycling tour

Stage 1: Nevsehir - Kapadokya (167.3 kilometers, 103.769 miles)

Stage 2: Konya - Konya (144.9 kilometers, 89.4 miles)

Stage 3: Beysehir - Alanya (212.6 kilometers, 131.7 miles)

Stage 4: Alanya - Kemer (184.4 kilometers, 114.3 miles)

Stage 5: Kemer - Elmali (Gogubeli) (160.3 kilometers, 99.4 miles)

Stage 6: Fethiye - Marmaris (129.1 kilometers, 80.1 miles)

Stage 7: Marmaris - Turgutreis (180 kilometers, 111.8 miles)

Stage 8: Bodrum - Kusadasi (160.3 kilometers, 99.4 miles)