Armenia stages its first-ever UCI-sanctioned road cycling race from 10 to 13 September 2026. The Tour d’Arménie is a four-stage, UCI Class 2.2 event with sixteen national and continental teams covering approximately 500 kilometres across some of the country’s most photogenic landscapes.
The Route
Organisers have designed the race to showcase Armenia’s altitude and scenery. Stage one starts and finishes in Yerevan, with a mid-stage circuit taking riders through the Ararat Valley with views towards Mount Ararat. Stage two heads north into the Tavush region, finishing in Dilijan - the country’s most forested area and a draw for hikers. Stage three is the mountain queen stage, climbing above 2,000 metres on the roads above Lake Sevan. The final stage returns to Yerevan for a circuit finish in Republic Square.
The route deliberately passes through several key tourist destinations, making it straightforward for spectators to watch multiple stages on the same trip.
Watching the Race
There is no charge to watch the Tour d’Arménie - the race passes through public roads and the start/finish areas in Yerevan are open to the public. The Yerevan finishes (stage one and stage four) will have the largest crowds and the best atmosphere.
Stage four in Republic Square on 13 September is the closest equivalent to a sprint finish in a city centre and will likely draw the biggest spectating numbers. Republic Square is the natural hub for visitors already in Yerevan - it is surrounded by the city’s main government buildings, the National History Museum, and a cluster of good restaurants and cafes.
If you plan to be in Armenia during race week, note that some roads on stage routes will have rolling closures for a few hours on race days. Check local announcements for timings closer to the event.
What Makes Armenia Worth Visiting for Cycling
The race has drawn attention to Armenia’s growing reputation as a cycling destination in its own right. The country’s mountain roads are quiet, well-surfaced by regional standards, and reach high altitudes - including the Selim Pass (2,410m) and roads above Lake Sevan (1,900m). Several Yerevan-based companies rent road bikes and offer guided rides.
For those planning a visit around the race or simply wanting to explore Armenia beyond Yerevan, our destinations guide covers the monasteries, hiking areas, and lakeside towns the race passes through. Our things-to-do section includes cycling routes and outdoor activities available to independent travellers, and our travel info has practical details on getting to Armenia and getting around. To explore the race route regions - Dilijan, Lake Sevan, and the Ararat Valley - guided tours of Armenia are available for spectators and independent travellers.