Samsun is celebrating the 19th of May, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day with enthusiasm. The İlkadım Gran Fondo Bicycle Race was organized specifically for this meaningful day. The race, organized in cooperation with the Turkish Bicycle Federation and the Samsun Governorship, started at the Atakum Çobanlı Pier and brought together 494 bicycle enthusiasts.
494 Cyclists Pedal for Independence
In the İlkadım Gran Fondo Bicycle Race, which was started by Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, athletes competed fiercely in the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, famous for its natural beauties, and the Bafra stages, which attract attention with its historical texture, in the 19 Mayıs district. The competitors pedaled on challenging 50 and 100-kilometer courses, where they demonstrated their fitness and skills.
Athlete Competing in a Suit Became the Center of Attention
Among the 494 cyclists participating in the competition, there was one name that stood out. An athlete participated in the event in a suit, creating a colorful image and becoming the center of attention for other competitors and spectators. This extraordinary participation added a different joy to the competition.
Governor Tavlı: “Samsun is the City Where the Torch of Independence Was Lit”
Speaking to the press at the start of the race, Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı emphasized that Samsun is the city of May 19th and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Stating that Samsun is the city where the torch of independence was lit, Governor Tavlı said, “In the city where the sun of independence rose magnificently in Anatolia, bicycle enthusiasts and lovers from all the beautiful cities of our Anatolia and our country came together in Samsun. They added a beautiful meaning to our May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day and they came together in Samsun to announce the torch of independence to the world. I thank them. I wish them success.” Governor Tavlı also expressed his pleasure in seeing the unifying power of sports on this meaningful day.
