Bikers from 13 European countries have arrived in Romania for the Cycling Tour of Szeklerland in the counties of Harghita, Covasna and Mures, between August 6 and 9. In total, over 120 athletes from Bulgaria, Japan, Serbia, Turkey, Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, the Republic of Moldova, Greece, Kazakhstan and Romania, among others, will take part in the competition.

The 19 teams, 10 of which continental, and three of which national, start the race in Miercurea Ciuc. Competitors include the Argentina National, Russian Helicopters and the Shimano Racing Team from Japan, among others. It is for the first time such a large number of national team line up for the Romanian biking race, this year at its eight edition. For the first time, a Russian team takes part in the event.

This cycling tour has lifted Romania out of anonymity, said Romanian champion Eduard Novak, the president of the Romanian Cycling Federation.

The race will also include an amateur race on Saturday, August 9, starting in Trei Cruci, and arriving in Harghita – Bai. Amateurs will also be given the chance to cycle along a route in Miercurea – Ciuc city. For both amateur races, entry is free of charge.

Last year, the main race was won by Bulgarian Georgi Georgiev.

editor@romania-insider.com