Cheer For The World’s Best Cyclists at the Budapest Grand Start: Tour de Hongrie 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure as Hungary’s most prestigious road race, the Tour de Hongrie, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025! Whether you’re a passionate cycling fan, a family looking for fun, or a traveler eager to discover Hungary’s hidden gems, this centenary edition promises a festival of excitement, culture, and world-class sport from May 14 to 18.
Why Visit the Tour de Hongrie 2025?
- Historic Milestone: This year marks a century since the very first Tour de Hongrie rolled out from Budapest. The 2025 edition honors this legacy with a route that starts at the iconic St. Gellért Square-just as it did in 1925-and finishes in front of the majestic Esztergom Basilica.
- International Prestige: The race is now a fixture on the UCI ProSeries calendar, attracting top-tier World Tour teams like Lidl-Trek, UAE, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Jayco AlUla, Bahrain Victorious, and XDS Astana, alongside leading pro-continental and continental squads.
- Record-Breaking Hungarian Participation: For the first time ever, up to 16 Hungarian cyclists will compete, representing a new high for home-grown talent and reflecting the rapid rise of cycling culture in Hungary.
Budapest Grand Start: Tour de Hongrie 2025
The centenary edition of the Tour de Hongrie kicks off with a spectacular start in Budapest, honoring the race’s rich history and vibrant cycling culture.
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, official start at 11:00 AM (CET)
Location: St. Gellért Square, Budapest
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What to Expect:
- The race begins at the iconic St. Gellért Square, the very spot where the first Tour de Hongrie started 100 years ago.
- Riders will complete a scenic slow lap through the heart of Budapest before heading out of the city, offering fans a unique opportunity to see the peloton against the backdrop of some of Budapest’s most famous landmarks.
- This marks the 40th time the Tour has started from Budapest, reinforcing the capital’s central role in Hungarian cycling history.
Stage Details:
- Stage 1 covers 210 km from Budapest to Győr, featuring two third-category climbs and two intermediate sprints.
- The opening stage is largely flat, making it a prime opportunity for sprinters to claim the first yellow jersey of the centenary race.
Why Attend the Budapest Start?
- Experience the excitement of a major international cycling event in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere, with fans, media, and cycling enthusiasts gathering to cheer on world-class athletes.
- Be part of a historic moment as the Tour de Hongrie celebrates its 100th anniversary with a grand start in the capital.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the Tour de Hongrie’s legendary “Grand Départ” and soak up the energy as the world’s top cyclists set off from Budapest on their journey across Hungary!
Event Details
- Event: 46th Tour de Hongrie (Centenary Edition)
- Dates: May 14–18, 2025
- Type: UCI ProSeries road cycling race
- Stages: 5
- Total Distance: 885 km
- Total Elevation Gain: 7,153 meters
- Start Location: St. Gellért Square, Budapest
- Finish Location: Esztergom Basilica
- Route: Passes through 101 towns and villages across 9 counties
- Stage Highlights:
- Stage 1: Budapest – Győr (210 km, flat)
- Stage 2: Veszprém – Siófok (178 km, around Lake Balaton)
- Stage 3: Gödöllő – Kékestető (163 km, mountain stage)
- Stage 4: Tata – Székesfehérvár (167 km, sprinter-friendly)
- Stage 5: Etyek – Esztergom (167 km, classic style finish)
- Teams: 21 teams, including 6 WorldTour, 9 ProTeams, 5 Continental, and 1 Cyclo-Cross ProTeam
- Riders: 126 cyclists, with a record number of Hungarian participants (up to 16)
- Special Events: Opening festival and team presentation on May 13 in Budapest, community rides, family activities, and a centenary outdoor exhibition
Perfect for cycling fans, families, and tourists looking to experience Hungary’s scenic landscapes and vibrant sporting culture!
Community Rides: Celebrate Together
Join fellow fans in group rides departing from key city locations-Dózsa György Road, Árpád Bridge, Kőbánya, and Törökbálint-to the festival venue. These rides are open to all and are a fantastic way to soak up the celebratory atmosphere.
AmaTour Budapest & Cofidis AmaTour Kékes Tours
- AmaTour Budapest (May 14): Experience the thrill of riding on closed roads across the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge, following the official Tour route for 4.7 km. Feel like a pro as you cycle under police escort-perfect for anyone comfortable riding at 15 km/h or faster.
- Cofidis AmaTour Kékes (May 16): Tackle the scenic and challenging ascent from Mátrafüred to Mátraháza, climbing 330 meters alongside fellow enthusiasts. This ride is ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a true test of endurance-all without registration or entry fees.
Spectacular Race Route: Explore Hungary’s Beauty
The 885-kilometer route weaves through 101 towns and villages, showcasing Hungary’s diverse landscapes-from rolling plains to mountain climbs and picturesque towns. Each of the five stages offers unique viewing opportunities:
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Ascent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 14 | Budapest – Győr | 210 km | 1,042 m |
| 2 | May 15 | Veszprém – Siófok | 178 km | 1,244 m |
| 3 | May 16 | Gödöllő – Gyöngyös-Kékestető | 163 km | 1,974 m |
| 4 | May 17 | Tata – Székesfehérvár | 167 km | 1,035 m |
| 5 | May 18 | Etyek – Esztergom | 167 km | 1,858 m |
The “King’s Stage” on May 16 features the legendary climb to Kékestető, Hungary’s highest peak-a must-see for fans of dramatic mountain racing.
Colorful Caravan & Giveaways
Don’t miss the lively advertising caravan that precedes the race each day, handing out free gifts and ramping up the excitement along the route. It’s a family favorite and a highlight for kids and adults alike.
Centenary Outdoor Exhibition
From April 26, visit the special open-air exhibition in Budapest’s Városháza Park, tracing 100 years of Tour de Hongrie history through captivating photos and stories. The display also celebrates 150 years of cycling in Budapest, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s two-wheeled heritage.
Plan Your Visit: Tips for Tourists
- Cheer for the Locals: With a record number of Hungarian riders, there’s never been a better time to support the home team. Check out guides on who to watch and where to catch the best action.
- Combine Sports and Sightseeing: The Tour de Hongrie is the perfect excuse to explore Hungary’s countryside, charming villages, and vibrant cities. Plan a day trip or a longer getaway to make the most of your visit.
- Stay Updated: The official Tour de Hongrie website offers the latest event schedules, route maps, and program updates-essential for planning your race-day experience.
Be Part of Cycling History
The 2025 Tour de Hongrie is more than a race-it’s a nationwide celebration of sport, community, and Hungarian culture. Whether you’re riding, cheering, or just soaking up the festival atmosphere, you’ll be part of a centenary event that brings together locals and visitors from around the world.
Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and join the festivities as Hungary pedals into its next century of cycling greatness!
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