On April 14, the video conference dedicated to the organization of the “Baku-Khankendi” Azerbaijan Cycling Race was held. The meeting was attended by senior officials from relevant central executive authorities, special representatives of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, heads and deputy heads of executive authorities of the cities and districts along the race route, as well as executive representatives and municipality heads of the respective settlements.
Addressing the meeting, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov recalled the cycling races previously organized in our country. He described the inclusion of the “Baku-Khankendi” Azerbaijan Cycling Race, scheduled for May 10–14, in the International Cycling Union (UCI) 2026 sports calendar as a significant event. He expressed confidence that, with the support of relevant institutions, this race would also be held at a high level.
Sahib Alakbarov, the Chairman of the Race Organizing Committee, Deputy Minister of Economy, and First Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation, delivered a detailed presentation. He stated that preparations for the race are proceeding in accordance with the approved Action Plan. It is expected that 25 high-level teams from 21 countries around the world will participate in the five-stage race. The race participants will start from Sea Breeze in Baku and, over the course of 5 days, will cover a distance of 850 km while passing through the territories of 21 cities and districts of our country. They will finish in the central square of Khankendi city, in front of the Victory Monument.
Sahib Alakbarov emphasized that all stages of the race will be broadcast live on the Eurosport and CBC Sport television channels. He noted that this will not only help discover and promote talented young cyclists, but will also allow the whole world to learn about the breathtaking beauty of our capital and regions, as well as the large-scale construction and restoration work being carried out in our territories liberated from occupation.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ogtay Karimov, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Hasan Hasanov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President in Shusha district Aydin Karimov, heads of executive authorities of several districts, as well as representatives from the State Customs Committee, the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, TABIB, and other institutions shared their views on the organization of the race and raised questions of interest to them. A comprehensive exchange of opinions took place during the meeting, and all questions from the participants were answered.
