Tour de Hongrie 2025 Kicks Off in Budapest
The 46th Tour de Hongrie, marking its centennial year, is set to kick off on May 14, 2025, with a grand start from Szent Gellért Square in Budapest. This historic event promises to be a spectacular showcase of cycling prowess, combining rich heritage with modern competition.
Route Highlights
The 2025 tour will cover 885 kilometers across five stages, challenging riders with over 7,000 meters of elevation gain. The route will traverse nine counties, touching 101 settlements, and offering a diverse landscape that includes:
- A 210-kilometer opening stage from Budapest to Győr
- A classic Balaton stage from Veszprém to Siófok
- The grueling mountain stage to Kékestető
- A sprinter-friendly route from Tata to Székesfehérvár
- A final stage reminiscent of Belgian classics, concluding in Esztergom
Key Features
- Sprinter Opportunities: Three stages cater to sprint specialists
- Mountain Challenge: The Kékestető stage will test climbers with its 8.2% average gradient in the final 3 kilometers
- Time Bonuses: 13 intermediate sprints offer points and bonus seconds
- Climbing Points: 10 categorized climbs, including the first-category Kékestető
Historical Significance
The 2025 edition marks several milestones:
- It’s the 40th time the tour starts from Budapest
- Győr hosts the tour for the 18th time, echoing its role in the inaugural 1925 race
- Kékestető features for the 14th time, often proving decisive for the overall classification
International Appeal
The Tour de Hongrie has seen its status rise significantly in recent years, achieving ProSeries status in 2023. This elevation has attracted world-class talent, including Tour de France winner Egan Bernal, three-time world champion Peter Sagan, and sprint legend Mark Cavendish.
Beyond the Race
The organizers are emphasizing social responsibility through initiatives like the Bringasuli program, which promotes cycling education. They’re also calling for volunteers in various cities to support the event, highlighting the community aspect of this grand tour.
As the Tour de Hongrie celebrates its centenary, it not only honors its rich past but also looks forward to showcasing Hungary’s scenic beauty and promoting cycling as a sport and lifestyle. With challenging routes, international competitors, and a blend of sprint and mountain stages, the 2025 edition promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cycling enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Image source: Tour de Hongrie