Historic first for Tour of Romania: cycling race unites both banks of Prut, with trophy inspired by Brâncuși’s work

The Tour of Romania cycling race will have a historic edition in 2026, bringing together, through sport, both banks of the Dniester and marking, for the first time in the history of the competition, an official start outside Romania’s borders. The 58th edition of the race, scheduled for 9–13 September, will gather athletes from several countries and will cover a route of approximately 800 kilometers, from Chișinău to Bucharest, where the final will be held.

During a press conference held in Chișinău, Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun noted that this sporting event is an opportunity to reaffirm the historical bond between the Republic of Moldova and Romania and to build new forms of cooperation.




“It is an opportunity to reaffirm the historical bond between the Republic of Moldova and Romania and to build new forms of cooperation. In recent years, together with the Sports Agency, we have had several joint projects, including in leveraging European funds through the Erasmus+ program. I am glad that we are extending this cooperation into the field of sports as well. Such events bring valuable athletes to Chișinău and are a source of inspiration for our young people. This week we had Simona Halep here for the opening of the National Tennis Center, and now, through the Tour of Romania, we will have in Chișinău some of the best cyclists. It is an extraordinary opportunity to promote sport and an active lifestyle. We hope that, in addition to the economic benefits, these events will encourage as many young people as possible to practice sports and use bicycles. I believe this tour brings together several important objectives, and we thank you for the trust placed in us. For our part, we will do everything possible to ensure the smooth running of the event at the highest level, together with the authorities and institutional partners,” said Perciun.


Minister of Culture Cristina Jardan also pointed out that there are no better ambassadors of a country than athletes and cultural figures.




“Thank you for choosing to start the Tour of Romania in Chișinău. I am here in a dual role, both as Minister of Culture and as a supporter of the idea that sport and culture make a very good team. I do not believe there are better ambassadors of a country than athletes and cultural figures. I consider the choice of the route to be an inspired one, given that it crosses some of the most beautiful regions of the Republic of Moldova, including the Codri forests and localities with a rich tradition. It is a great opportunity for the communities along the route, for the people who have always loved their traditions and values. September will be a month rich in cultural and sporting events, with Bookfest, literature festivals and theatre meetings, and now this large-scale sporting event as well. It is a month that brings direct benefits to the public because, in the end, any event must be for people. We encourage citizens to come out along the route, to support the athletes and to enjoy the race. Cycling is a demanding sport that needs public support. We will support this event and mobilize all available resources, together with local authorities. Essentially, this event means much more than sport — it means tourism, culture, tradition and the promotion of the Republic of Moldova,” the minister said.


The event was also attended by Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Moldova Cristian-Leon Țurcanu.




“I am truly proud to be part of this event, which is a historic one and carries a special symbolic meaning. For the first time since 1934, after almost 100 years, the Tour of Romania will not just reach Chișinău, but will actually start from Chișinău. This means a great deal to all of us. I cannot fail to note that the 2026 Tour of Romania slogan — ‘one single heart’ — reflects a reality we talk about more and more often. It is a heart that beats for cycling, but also for culture, education, language and traditions. I would like major Romanian events in any field to be present both in Chișinău and in Bucharest, Cluj or Iași,” the diplomat said.


President of the Romanian Cycling Federation Cătălin Sprinceană said that this year’s edition of the Tour of Romania, which will start from Chișinău, represents a first and marks a historic moment.


“It is a historic moment. It is the first time that the Tour of Romania sets off from the territory of another state. It is the first time that the route of the Tour of Romania reaches Bessarabian soil, on the other side of the Prut. Not even in the interwar period did it reach the territory of Bessarabia. We are marking a historic moment for Romania. This year’s edition will represent a sporting bridge between two states, united by the same values, the same language and, of course, a common history. We hope to see you all in Chișinău. On 8 September we will have the team presentation, and on 9 September the first stage will begin, a stage that will end in Ungheni. It is a message of sporting unity, first and foremost, because sport brings people together, regardless of where they come from. We are talking about sporting values, about a healthy society and about promoting sport in both countries, because these sporting events are appreciated by children, who will be influenced and inspired by the Tour of Romania to get on their bikes. We want the Tour of Romania to serve as an example for children and amateurs in the Republic of Moldova, as well as in Romania,” he concluded.


The organizers emphasize that this edition is an absolute first, both because the start takes place in the Republic of Moldova and because of the route that connects the two banks of the Prut.

This year’s edition of the Tour of Romania will begin on 8 September in downtown Chișinău with the team presentation and the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition, an event that will bring before the public around 25 professional teams from Romania and abroad. The start of the first stage will be given on 9 September, on a route run entirely on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, finishing in Ungheni. This stage marks a double first in the history of the race: both the start from another country and a stage organized entirely outside Romania.

The organizers have also announced a special trophy dedicated to this year’s edition, created in the year marking 150 years since the birth of Constantin Brâncuși. The trophy will be inspired by the works of the great Romanian sculptor and will be made by artist Liviu Brezeanu.

The final of the 2026 Tour of Romania will take place in Bucharest, where the winner will receive the commemorative trophy.

The competition will also include events dedicated to children and amateurs, organized in several cities along the route, with the aim of promoting cycling and an active lifestyle among the general public.