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The 2023 Tour de France was a resounding triumph. The world’s best cyclists competed on demanding roads, pushing their limits on every stage. The rivalry between Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard and Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar kept millions of spectators around the world on the edge of their seats with a second successive vistory for the former. Public enthusiasm was unprecedented, with jubilant crowds on the course creating an electric atmosphere throughout the race. Beyond the competition, the Tour de France is also a symphony of enchanting landscapes, offering viewers an unforgettable visual experience. Throughout the stages, cyclists pass through dazzling regions that showcase the natural beauty of France — a sight that makes one fall into daydreaming. So why not consider a cycling competition in Lebanon?
Lebanon’s topographical diversity and varied landscapes make it an ideal location for a cycling competition. Firstly, the Mediterranean coastline offers panoramic roads along the sea, making it possible to create stages with spectacular views for riders and spectators alike. Secondly, the Lebanese mountains offer exciting challenges for cyclists. Steep climbs and steep passes offer challenging mountain stages, testing riders’ skills and endurance. Thirdly and lastly, the country boasts vast plains that could be utilized to incorporate valley stages into the competition. Such terrains would offer faster and more thrilling courses ideal for exciting sprints. Lebanon is also small in size, which would facilitate event logistics and allow short stages between different regions, making travel more convenient for teams and organizers.
Let’s dream big! Imagine a cycling Tour of Lebanon!
This week-long Tour of Lebanon would be divided into seven stages, as follows: one time trial on the first day, and six road stages, including four mountain stages. This varied and rhythmic tour would cover all of Lebanon and its eight governorates: Beirut (Day 1), Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon and Nabbatieh (Day 2), the Bekaa (Day 3), Baalbeck-Hermel and Mount Lebanon (Day 4), Mount Lebanon (Day 5), the North (Day 6), and finally Akkar and Beirut (Day 7).
The profile of the seven stages could be as follows:
Stage 1 presents a time trial in the capital, starting and finishing at Martyrs Square. The route would go through Beirut’s various districts, including Place de l’Étoile, the Raouché corniche, Jnah, Achrafieh hill and Hamra…
Stage 2 offers a very beautiful mountain stage with several interesting passes. Departing from Saida along the coast to Damour, the course then climbs to the Chouf, and the villages of Deir Qamar, Beit Eddine, Moukhtara, and Maasser el Chouf at 1950m altitude followed by a descent to Jezzine (950m), Hasbaya (750m) concluding with a finish at Marjeyoun (860m). Covering a challenging 135km route, this path has the potential to make a difference.
Stage 3 is a flat stage across the Bekaa plain, starting from Marjeyoun and passing through Rachaya, Lake Qaroun, Kefraya and finishing in Zahlé. This 96km route favors sprinters, who will be competing without any significant challenges.
Stage 4 sets a high-mountain stage starting in the capital of the Bekaa, Zahlé. The 107km route passes through Baalbeck, leading to a strenuous climb to the Mzaar Kfardebian – Faraya passes at an altitude of 1900m and a finish at Qanat Bakiche.
Stage 5 provides a perfect stage for backpackers, starting from the village of Faqra. The 88km route passes through the villages of Baskinta, Sannine and Zaarour in the Metn before returning to Keserwan and the villages of Qleyaat, Harissa and a finish in Kfour through the villages of Keserwan Ftouh.
Stage 6 is the Queen stage of this Tour of Lebanon. The sequence Jounieh – Chekka – Ehden – the Cedars promises to be magnificent. The 102km route begins with several kilometers of flat terrain and then climbs toward the North along the Mediterranean coast before the Tour’s main difficulty, the Cedars Pass, at an altitude of 1,800m. It is a stage that promises a great battle for victory among the top contenders.
Stage 7 offers a departure from Kobayat in Akkar, followed by a return to Beirut via Tripoli, with a sprint finish on the Ramlet al- Baida corniche. It is a 133 km course for sprinters, offering them an opportunity to showcase their skills on their way back to the capital.
Lebanon will not be the first country in the Middle East to organize a cycling race. Over the past decade, the Middle East has become a major player in world cycling, organizing races like Qatar’s Tour in 2002. Although this tour only lasted 15 editions until 2016, it inspired other Gulf oil monarchies to follow suit. The Tour of Oman, UAE Tour and, more recently, the Saudi Tour have all been launched. Another important step in the promotion of this sport in our region has been the creation of professional teams in the colors of the Gulf countries, such as UAE Team Emirates (with two Tour victories by Pogačar) and Bahrain Victorious (with three stage wins at this year’s Tour de France).
While Lebanon may have no oil, the organization of a professional cycling tour promises to be the most exciting in the region, putting the Land of the Cedars back on the sporting map while promoting the country, its landscapes, culture, hospitality and geographical diversity.
