International cycling race in Azerbaijan: 40 days left until the start of "Baku-Khankendi 2026"

After a nine-year break, a major international cycling race will be held again in Azerbaijan.

Idman.Biz reports with reference to foreign media that the "Baku-Khankendi 2026" multi-day race, which will start in 40 days, will be held from May 10 to 14 and has been included in the "Union Cycliste Internationale" calendar as a UCI 2.1 category race.

The race route will cover several regions of the country and pass through 21 cities and regions. The program includes five stages: "Sea Breeze" (Baku) - Sumgayit (158.8 km), "Sea Breeze" (Baku) - Ismayilli (193.2 km), Gabala - Mingachevir (163.3 km), Ganja - Naftalan (152.7 km), Tartar - Khankendi (181.3 km).

The organizers paid special attention to the final stages. The fourth and fifth stages will pass through the liberated territories of Azerbaijan - Sugovushan, Talish, Agdam, Fuzuli, Khojavend and Shusha. The final finish of the race will be in the central square of Khankendi.

25 teams from Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Oceania will participate in the tournament. Participating countries include Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, USA, Colombia, Morocco and others. Azerbaijan will be represented at the competition by the national team.

The resumption of the race under the name "Baku-Khankendi 2026" is considered the beginning of a new stage in the development of cycling in the country and puts Azerbaijan back on the world road cycling calendar.