VIDEO // Tour of Romania starts from Moldova; more than 130 cyclists start in Chisinau

The Tour of Romania cycling race started today, for the first time, from Moldova, with more than 130 cyclists representing 26 countries at the starting line. The event is significant both from a sporting and an economic perspective for the country. At the same time, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasizes that hosting the first stage has benefited the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The start of the 58th edition of the Tour of Romania was given in the square of the Maria Biesu National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Chișinău. The first stage takes place entirely on the territory of Moldova, along the Chisinau–Ungheni route, covering approximately 170 kilometers.



The cycling caravan passes through the districts of Ialoveni, Hancesti, Calarasi, and Ungheni. For the first time in the competition’s history, the start is being given outside Romania’s borders, while of Moldova is hosting both the official opening ceremony and an entire stage of the race.





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According to Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, the event contributes not only to the promotion of sport, but also to the development of the local economy.

“The statistics that made me very happy is that more than 1,000 rooms were booked in hotels from Chisinau, which means that the restaurants were also full, that a lot of wine was sold, and that our economy benefited from hosting this first stage. Congratulations to the organizers. I hope this is a good beginning, and I hope that, every year, the Tour of Romania will start from Chisinau, and perhaps we can explore other routes through our beautiful Moldova as well,” Vasile Tofan said today during a government meeting.

After today’s stage, the caravan will cross into Romania. The Iasi–Piatra Neamt stage is scheduled for September 10, followed by the Piatra Neamt–Baile Balvanyos route and the Brasov–Ploiesti stage. The competition will conclude with a circuit in Bucharest on September 13.

This year’s edition takes place during September 9-13 and covers more than 800 kilometers.