Youth and Sports Minister Bak Gives Start to UCI Gran Fondo Cycling Races in Antalya

Youth and Sports Minister Bak and the accompanying delegation gave the start to the UCI Gran Fondo Cycling Races from the starting point at The Land of Legends Mall in the Belek Tourism Center in Antalya. After the start, Bak and the accompanying delegation took part in the 6-kilometer COP31 Awareness Ride.

Speaking to reporters, Bak said more than 960 athletes from 44 countries took part in the event. Noting that they want to raise environmental awareness through sports such as cycling, Bak stressed the importance of cycling for a clean environment.

Bak also stressed that cycling is important for the development of sports tourism. Saying they are working with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to spread sports tourism across the country, Bak noted that the Cycling Federation organizes the Presidential Cycling Tour and has held many events across the country, from mountain biking and velodrome races to road races. Stating that Antalya stands out in sports tourism, Bak said more than 2,000 football teams train in the city each year, and cycling, basketball and volleyball teams also come to Antalya. Bak said Antalya's accommodation and sports facility capacity is sufficient.

Bak said COP31 will be held in Antalya under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and that heads of state and government and ministers from around the world will be in the city next week. Pointing out that most COP31 volunteers are young people, Bak said they will take part in volunteer work and sessions alongside young people. Recalling that Türkiye successfully hosted the NATO Summit and the Organization of Turkic States Summit, Bak said the 2027 European Games will be held in Istanbul and the 2032 UEFA European Football Championship will be held in the country. Noting that there are direct flights to Antalya and that Turkish Airlines flies to many destinations, Bak said transport and logistics are easy.

Bak invited citizens to cycle to work and to ride bicycles with their children on weekends. Recalling that the Zero Waste Initiative led by Emine Erdoğan has gained acceptance around the world and at the United Nations, Bak said: "We want the world to be lush green. We want the seas and waters to be blue like my eyes. This environment is needed by all of us."