Lithuania will host the largest road cycling race in the Baltic region in May, with teams from four continents set to compete in the multi-stage Tour of Lithuania, according to a press release by the organisers.
The race, scheduled for May 27-31, will take place for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to draw up to 27 teams and around 500 riders and support staff. Competitors will race across five Lithuanian towns: Tauragė, Kėdainiai, Utena, Kaunas and Vilnius.
Organisers say the event has grown rapidly since it was revived in 2023 by Darijus Džervus and is now attracting international attention beyond the Baltics.
“For a long time I’ve been trying to convince other local organisers that we need races like this,” Džervus is quoted in the statement. “In my opinion, such races should be on the world cycling map, as a business card for the country.”
The race holds a 2.2 classification from the Union Cycliste Internationale, allowing riders to earn ranking points toward qualification for major competitions, including world and European championships and the Olympics.
Darius Levickis, president of the Lithuanian Cycling Federation, said the goal is to elevate the event to a higher 2.1 category next year, which would attract more prominent teams.
“Tour of Lithuania is becoming our central event, bringing together the largest number of participants,” Levickis said, adding that the race plays a key role in showcasing top-level cycling to local audiences and developing young athletes.
He compared the event to a Lithuanian version of the Tour de France, noting its potential for growth in both scale and prestige.
So far, 22 teams from countries including Norway, Switzerland, the United States, China and Great Britain have confirmed participation, according to event organiser Arnoldas Valiauga. Registration opened recently, and most available slots were quickly filled.
“Now we have 22 teams registered, and there are almost three months left until the competition,” Valiauga said. “The remaining places should be filled.”
Organisers say the race’s relatively flat terrain, compared with mountainous courses elsewhere, is designed to encourage fast stages while highlighting Lithuania’s landscape.
“This race is special because it’s the only one of this size in the Baltic States,” Valiauga said. “We want participants to see as much of Lithuania as possible.”
The event is partially funded by the government through the National Sports Agency, along with contributions from the host municipalities.
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