Thousands join Russia's summer-long cycling event (VIDEO)

RT.com
17 May 2026, 12:37 GMT+10

The eight-stage series will cover 504 km across the Golden Ring cities before its Moscow finale in September

Russia's amateur cycling race has kicked off in the city of Kostroma, launching a summer-long series of mass-participation road events.

Around 2,400 riders are expected to take part in the 504 km "Rossiya" competition, which combines cycling with tourism and cultural events along Russia's Golden Ring route, known for its historic towns and UNESCO-listed landmarks.

The race includes eight stages across Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo, Kalyazin, Nizhny Novgorod, Sergiev Posad, and Moscow, where the finale will take place on September 12.

The project is backed by the Russian Cycling Federation, the Sports Ministry and Liga Geroev ("League of Heroes"), a company known for organizing large amateur sports events and obstacle races across Russia. While aimed mainly at amateur cyclists, experienced semi-professional riders are also expected to join.

Alongside the races, organizers are planning festivals, local food fairs and sightseeing programs in host cities as part of a wider sports tourism initiative.

The "Rossiya" race first launched in June 2025 with a three-stage event through Murom, Vladimir and Suzdal in Vladimir Region. Organizers hope it will grow into Russia's biggest amateur cycling series, similar to popular mass-participation races held across Europe, attracting riders from across the country and eventually from abroad as well.

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