ALGIERS, February 7, 2025 – The 25th edition of the Tour d’Algérie cycling event (TAC-2025), scheduled to take place from February 9 to 18, presents a formidable challenge for the seventeen participating teams while offering spectators an exceptional opportunity to experience the breathtaking tourist landscapes of both the East and the expansive South of Algeria. The route covers an impressive distance of 1,404 km over ten stages, passing through 13 cities across the nation.
This milestone edition will kick off with a symbolic start in Tunisia, featuring the Grand Prix of Sakiet Sidi Youcef on Saturday, February 8, commemorating the tragic massacres carried out by colonial forces on February 8, 1958, in that very city.
In addition to the ten scheduled stages, TAC-2025 will include two additional Grand Prix events: the Grand Prix of Sonatrach in Hassi Messaoud on Thursday, February 20, celebrating the proclamation of hydrocarbon nationalization on February 24, 1971, and the “Djamel Boukercha” Grand Prix in Algiers on Saturday, February 22, honoring the late journalist from the national radio station “Chaine 3,” who passed away in 2023.
The ten stages of TAC-2025 will primarily traverse towns in the East and the Great South of the country, including Guelma, Constantine, Sétif, Batna, Biskra, Boussaâda, Djelfa, Laghouat, Ghardaïa, and Ouargla, covering a total distance of 1,404 km.
The official commencement of TAC-2025 will take place on Sunday, February 9, with a stage measuring 103.2 km between Guelma and Constantine. This will be the first challenge for the cyclists, who will subsequently tackle a demanding second stage spanning 145.5 km from Constantine to Sétif.
During the third stage, the peloton will head toward Batna (130.6 km), passing near the snow-capped peaks of the Aurès mountains before descending into the captivating landscapes of the Great South, with stops at the oases of Biskra (4th stage, 156.3 km) and Boussaâda (5th stage, 171.2 km).
The challenges continue for TAC-2025 riders at a brisk pace, with distances ranging from 107.5 km (7th stage between Djelfa and Laghouat) to the longest segment of the race, which stretches 197.8 km between Laghouat and Ghardaïa (8th stage). This particularly lengthy stretch will test the endurance of the cyclists ahead of the concluding stages.
Stages 9 and 10, connecting Ghardaïa to Ouargla and Ouargla to Hassi Messaoud, will elegantly wrap up this edition, with the final stage being a modest 83.5 km long, providing sprinters an opportunity to showcase their skills before the ultimate sprint to the finish line.
Enhanced International Participation
For this 25th edition, the organizers have confirmed the participation of 17 teams, including six from Algeria, such as the Madar Procycling Team and the national selection “Elite”, which features top Algerian cyclists like last year’s champion, Nassim Saïdi, sprinter Yacine Hamza, and seasoned rider Youcef Reguigui.
Other teams will represent various African, Asian, and European countries, including Belgium’s Team Flanders, China’s Glory Mentech, as well as selections from Tunisia and Eritrea. This diverse range of participants promises a highly competitive atmosphere, with world-class riders taking on the challenges presented by the Algerian terrain.
Included in the Africa Tour calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Tour d’Algérie and the three Grand Prix events, overseen by a panel of race officials led by Belgian Patrick Demunter, will provide a critical opportunity for accumulating points in preparation for the 2025 UCI World Road Championships, which will be hosted in Rwanda, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held on the African continent.
Additionally, the organizers have planned a rich cultural program to complement the competition for this edition.
Participants and spectators will have the opportunity to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the cities along the route. Activities centered around the Tour caravan will be organized at each stage, providing an immersive experience of local culture.
At the conclusion of each leg, seven jerseys will be awarded: the blue jersey for the stage winner, the yellow jersey for the overall leader, the white jersey for the best young rider, the green jersey for the top sprinter, the polka dot jersey for the best climber, the orange jersey for the most combative rider, and the red jersey for the best Algerian cyclist. In addition to these honors, financial rewards are also planned for both the stage winner and the yellow jersey holder at the end of each day.
To ensure extensive media coverage of this sporting event, the organizers have engaged a dedicated team, along with accredited media outlets covering TAC 2025. Their mission is to broadcast live the final 30 kilometers of each stage via the Tour’s official social media accounts. This initiative will enhance the event’s visibility and enable fans to follow the race’s progress in real time.
Thus, the Tour d’Algérie 2025 promises to be an unmissable event, combining high-level sports, exploration of new territories, and a strong cultural dimension. It offers a wonderful way to celebrate the 25th edition of a tour that remains a symbol of African and international cycling.
