A strong advocate of healthy living, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took centre stage on Wednesday at an event promoting the 52nd Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, an international tour set to begin on April 24.
At the presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan welcomed representatives of Turkey’s cycling federation and a group of athletes including Kenan Sofuoglu, an award-winning professional cyclist who traded his motorcycle for a bicycle at Wednesday’s event. Erdogan praised the tour as an event which brings together riders from different cultures and faiths. “It is inspiring and should be a guideline for world leaders on how to come together for a common purpose regardless of differences, to resolve the world’s problems,” said the president.
The Presidential Cycling Tour was launched in 1963, becoming an international event in 1965, and given the “presidential” title in 1966. “It became a well-established sporting event after the presidency started sponsoring it. I personally endorse the event, because it serves to promote our country and endear people to cycling,” he said. “The competition in cycling shows what we need in resolution of political, social and economic problems and that is, we should progress rather than being destructive.”
The presidential tour will kick off on April 24 in Istanbul. Six stages will see cyclists from Turkey and other countries compete along scenic routes, from ancient Cappadocia in central Turkey — known for their “fairy chimney” rock formations – to the Mediterranean resort towns of Antalya and Marmaris. The tour will end on May 1in Selcuk.
Source: Daily Sabah
