The Tour of Romania, the country’s most prestigious cycling race and one of the leading competitions in Southeastern Europe, is writing a new chapter in its history. The 58th edition of the “Little Loop” will begin on September 9 and marks an absolute first: for the first time since the race was founded in 1934, the official start will take place outside Romania’s borders, in Chișinău.
This year’s edition will officially open on September 8 in central Chișinău with the team presentation and opening ceremony of the 2026 Tour of Romania. Around 25 professional teams from Romania and abroad are expected to participate.
The first stage will start on September 9 and will be held entirely on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, finishing in Ungheni. This represents a double premiere in the race’s history: both the first-ever start from another country and the first stage organized entirely outside Romania.
“For the first time, the Tour of Romania cycling race will start from Chișinău, and this honors us greatly. It shows how strong the relations between the Republic of Moldova and Romania are, and that we can work together on beautiful projects. Besides promoting a healthy lifestyle, sport brings us closer together, reminds us of the values we share, and helps build a relationship based on respect and trust,” said Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova.
“I welcome with great joy and confidence the initiative of the Romanian Cycling Federation to transform the Tour of Romania into a truly cross-border competition through its official start in the Republic of Moldova. The National Agency for Sport fully supports this initiative, especially since formal preparations began back in December through strong institutional cooperation aimed at ensuring an efficient and predictable organizational framework. I am convinced this edition will be a landmark one, beneficial for both countries, strengthening partnerships, bringing international visibility, and reaffirming sport’s role as a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and shared values,” said Bogdan-Constantin Matei, President of Romania’s National Agency for Sport.
2026 Tour of Romania Route and Schedule
This year’s route once again highlights the diversity and charm of the regions crossed, from cities with rich cultural heritage to representative natural landscapes. Starting in Chișinău, the peloton will move through the Moldavia region, cross spectacular scenery and cities with distinct identities, before finishing in Bucharest in an iconic urban setting.
- September 8 – Team Presentation – Chișinău
- September 9 – Stage 1 – Chișinău to Ungheni
- September 10 – Stage 2 – Iași to Piatra Neamț
- September 11 – Stage 3 – Piatra Neamț to Băile Balvanyos
- September 12 – Stage 4 – Brașov to Ploiești
- September 13 – Stage 5 – Bucharest Circuit
“The Tour of Romania is taking an important step toward a new level of organization and recognition, and this year’s edition represents a sporting bridge between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. It is an opportunity to promote the beauty and values of both countries, while encouraging cycling among a wider audience. We thank the Government of the Republic of Moldova for its openness, the Moldovan Cycling Federation, Romania’s National Agency for Sport, and Auchan Romania for supporting this heartfelt project,” said Cătălin Sprinceană, President of the Romanian Cycling Federation.
“For two decades we have supported an active and healthy lifestyle, and our partnership with the Romanian Cycling Federation, which began seven years ago, together with our direct involvement in organizing the Tour of Romania, naturally reflects this commitment. Alongside our partners, we continue to improve the competition experience year after year and steadily raise its standards, because the Tour of Romania is a source of national pride, an inspiration for younger generations, and an important ambassador for Romania’s image. We thank the Romanian Cycling Federation, our partners, suppliers, and colleagues at Auchan Romania for their dedication and support,” said Tiberiu Dănețiu, Director of Institutional Affairs and Retail Media at Auchan Romania.