Celebrate 100 Years of Cycling Excellence at the 2025 Tour de Hongrie

Celebrate 100 Years of Cycling Excellence at the 2025 Tour de Hongrie
Reading time 5 minutes
Published
Date 2025.05.03
Category What's On
Author Dani Pesti
Image source Tour de Hongrie

Budapest has always been more than just a scenic backdrop for world-class cycling events-it’s a city where the love for bicycles is woven into the urban fabric. In 2025, this connection is more visible than ever, as the Hungarian capital hosts the centenary Tour de Hongrie and continues to build on its growing reputation as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities. Recent events like the I Bike Budapest parade and a landmark outdoor exhibition highlight Budapest’s powerful bond with cycling and its ongoing transformation.

I Bike Budapest 2025: A Joyful Demonstration of Cycling Community

On April 26, Budapest’s streets were filled with the vibrant energy of thousands of cyclists during the tenth annual I Bike Budapest parade. This iconic event, organized by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club, is much more than a ride-it’s a movement and a celebration. Cyclists of all ages and backgrounds pedaled together through the city, advocating for safer, more accessible cycling infrastructure and demonstrating what a truly bike-friendly Budapest could look like.

This year’s parade was especially symbolic, starting for the first time from City Hall Park (Városháza Park), right next to the city government building. The route took participants over bridges, along grand avenues, and through some of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, before culminating in the traditional bike lift at Margaret Island’s Great Meadow. The event’s message was clear: cycling is not a subculture, but a mainstream, sustainable mode of urban transport for Budapest’s future.

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The I Bike Budapest parade, with its festive atmosphere, family-friendly “I Bike Mini” ride, and strong community spirit, once again proved that Budapest’s cycling community is vibrant, diverse, and ready for the next chapter in the city’s cycling story.

Tour de Hongrie Centenary: A Historic Race Returns Home

Budapest’s deep connection with cycling is nowhere more evident than in its relationship with the Tour de Hongrie. In 2025, the race celebrates its 100th anniversary, and fittingly, the first stage will start from St. Gellért Square-just as it did in 1925. This grand start is more than a nod to history; it’s a testament to Budapest’s enduring role as the heart of Hungarian cycling.

Over the years, the Tour de Hongrie has grown from a national event into an internationally recognized race, drawing elite teams and riders from around the world. The 2025 edition features 21 teams, including six top-tier WorldTour squads and a record number of Hungarian cyclists-up to 16, a milestone that speaks volumes about the rise of cycling in Hungary.

But the Tour is not just about competition. It’s a week-long festival of cycling, with community rides, family activities, and opportunities for everyone to join in the excitement. The opening day, May 13, features a free cycling festival at the riverside of the Budapest University of Technology, where fans can meet star riders, enjoy games and raffles, and soak up the atmosphere of a true cycling celebration.

Exhibition: 100 Years of Tour de Hongrie and 150 Years of Budapest Cycling

To honor the centenary of the Tour de Hongrie and Budapest’s own rich cycling history, the city is hosting a unique outdoor exhibition in City Hall Park (Városháza Park). Open from April 26, 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to journey through 100 years of the Tour de Hongrie via stunning archival photographs and stories of historic moments.

But the exhibition goes even deeper, offering a rare glimpse into 150 years of cycling in Budapest. From the first appearance of the word “kerékpár” (bicycle) on Hungarian roads in 1882, to the evolution of cycling from a luxury pastime to a mass mode of transport, the display captures the ups and downs of Budapest’s cycling journey. Visitors can see sepia-toned images of early cycling clubs, races, and the city’s first velodromes, as well as learn about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped cycling culture in the capital.

The exhibition was officially opened by Budapest’s Mayor, Gergely Karácsony, and Károly Eisenkrammer, the chief organizer of the Tour de Hongrie. Its central location in Városháza Park makes it accessible to locals and tourists alike, and its bilingual displays ensure that everyone can appreciate the stories behind Budapest’s cycling legacy.

Fun Facts and Stories: Budapest’s Cycling Legacy

  • Budapest’s cycling roots run deep: The city’s first cycling club was founded in 1881, and by the turn of the 20th century, cycling had become a popular pastime and means of transport for all social classes.
  • The Millenáris Velodrome: Built in 1896, it was once the fastest cycling track in Europe and hosted the World Cycling Championships in 1928.
  • Cycling as a symbol of freedom: Despite bans and taxes in the early days, Budapest’s cyclists persevered, advocating for their rights and helping to shape the city’s transport policies.
  • A city of cycling firsts: Budapest has hosted the Tour de Hongrie’s start a record 40 times, making it the true home of Hungary’s greatest race.

Why Budapest is a True Cycling City

Budapest’s cycling culture is thriving like never before. With events like the recent I Bike Budapest parade drawing tens of thousands, and the Tour de Hongrie’s centenary putting the city in the international spotlight, there’s no doubt that Budapest is a city where cycling matters. The city’s growing network of bike lanes and shared bikes like the MOL Bubi system, and cycling festivals all point to a bright future-one where cycling is not just a sport, but a way of life.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is the perfect year to experience Budapest’s cycling spirit firsthand. Explore the exhibition in City Hall Park (Városháza Park), join a community ride, or simply cheer on the peloton as the Tour de Hongrie rolls through the capital. Budapest’s story is still being written, and there’s never been a better time to be part of its cycling adventure.

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Celebrate 100 Years of Cycling Excellence at the 2025 Tour de Hongrie