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From September 10 to 13, 2026, Armenia will host Tour d’Arménie, an international professional multi-stage road cycling race included in the UCI Europe Tour calendar.
Over four days, cyclists will cover 587 kilometers with approximately 5,300 meters of elevation gain, racing through some of Armenia’s most scenic regions. The route will take riders along Lake Sevan, through Tavush and Lori, towards Dilijan, before finishing with a spectacular final stage in the heart of Yerevan.
Tour d’Arménie is set to become not only one of Armenia’s major sporting events of 2026, but also an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s landscapes, cities and travel destinations to an international audience.
Tour of Armenia has been classified as a UCI 2.2 race and will make its debut on the international professional cycling calendar in 2026.
The race is organized by the Government of Armenia and the Cycling Federation of Armenia, with the involvement of international specialists from RCS Sports & Events.
Professional teams and cyclists from different countries are expected to take part.
The organizers intend to develop Tour d’Arménie into an annual event, helping to promote both professional cycling and cycling tourism in Armenia.
One of the most exciting aspects of Tour d’Arménie is its geography.
Rather than taking place around a single city, the race will become a journey across Armenia, with each stage revealing a different side of the country.
135 km | Approx. 450 m elevation gain
The first stage starts in Gavar and takes riders through Gegharkunik Province.
A significant part of this region is shaped by its most famous natural landmark — Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world.
This is the fastest of the four stages and is expected to offer opportunities for sprinters.
For travelers, Gegharkunik offers much more than Lake Sevan itself. The region is home to small lakeside communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
177 km | Approx. 2,400 m elevation gain
The second day will be one of the toughest challenges of Tour d’Arménie.
Cyclists will start in Kirants in Tavush Province and finish in Stepanavan in Lori.
The 177-kilometer route across northern Armenia includes approximately 2,400 meters of climbing.
This stage reveals a very different Armenia — green, mountainous and still relatively undiscovered by international travelers.
Stepanavan is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and is also known for the famous Stepanavan Dendropark, one of the most unusual natural attractions in northern Armenia.
162 km | Approx. 1,700 m elevation gain
From a travel perspective, the third stage could be one of the most beautiful of the entire race.
Cyclists will start in Martuni and cross Armenia’s mountain landscapes towards Dilijan, with the stage finishing near Parz Lake in the forests of Dilijan National Park.
Dilijan has become one of Armenia’s leading destinations for nature and outdoor tourism.
The forests of the national park, mountain trails, lakes and the historic monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank make the region particularly attractive for hiking and cycling trips.
113 km
The final stage will take place entirely in Yerevan.
Cyclists will complete ten laps of an 11.3-kilometer urban circuit, allowing spectators to watch the race directly from the streets of the Armenian capital.
The winner of the first Tour d’Arménie will be decided here.
The urban format should make the final day one of the most spectacular stages of the race. Travelers staying in Yerevan on September 13 should keep the event in mind when planning their day.
Tour d’Arménie is interesting not only for professional athletes and cycling fans.
Hosting an international cycling race draws attention to Armenia as an emerging destination for cycling tourism and active travel.
And the country has almost everything needed for this type of adventure.
During a single journey, cyclists can ride alongside the high-altitude Lake Sevan, cross the forests of Tavush and Lori, climb mountain roads, discover small villages and ancient monasteries, and finish their trip in modern Yerevan.
Armenia’s relatively short distances also make it easy to combine cycling routes with hiking, off-road adventures, gastronomic experiences and winery visits.
The country’s dramatic variety of landscapes and elevations makes it possible to create cycling routes for different levels of experience — from relaxed scenic rides to challenging multi-day adventures.
Tour d’Arménie demonstrates how a major sporting event can also become a way to introduce travelers to a destination.
Over four days, an international audience will discover Lake Sevan, Armenia’s mountain roads, the forests of Tavush and Lori, Dilijan and Yerevan.
Organizers have already announced their intention to develop Tour of Armenia into an annual event.
If the project continues to grow, the race could become another important date on Armenia’s tourism calendar alongside the country’s wine, gastronomic, music and cultural festivals.
The first Tour d’Arménie will take place from September 10 to 13, 2026 — four stages, 587 kilometers and a unique opportunity to discover the many different landscapes of Armenia from a completely new perspective.