On Wednesday evening, Prague Castle became the beating heart of the Czech cycling world. Hradčany Square hosted a spectacular opening ceremony for the Czech Tour, drawing in thousands of fans. Around 2,000 enthusiastic spectators gave a roaring welcome to all nineteen teams set to line up for the 17th edition of the race.
Race President Robert Kolář expressed his excitement about the historic occasion: "I’m delighted that we keep moving the Czech Tour forward and that we have, for the first time, brought the race to Prague," said Kolář, who sees a clear parallel between the event’s connection with the capital and the world’s biggest races.
"I see this presentation of teams in the capital as our equivalent to the Tour de France’s link with Paris or the Vuelta’s with Madrid. Thanks to television coverage on Eurosport, we will also reach 190 countries around the world."
Czech cycling legend Zdeněk Štybar also took to the stage: "I’m glad we can show foreign riders how beautiful our country is," he said, echoing the race’s mission to promote the Czech Republic. The evening continued with the presentation of race routes by Race Director Leopold König, followed by a blessing from Cardinal Dominik Duka, which gave the occasion an added sense of distinction.
The loudest applause of the night went to the Czech teams, greeted with genuine excitement by the home crowd. Michael Boroš from the Elkov-Kasper team, a long-standing figure on the domestic scene, praised the atmosphere: "To be presented in front of Prague Castle — that’s something truly special."
The evening concluded with the presentation of the World Tour teams Visma | Lease a Bike and Soudal Quick-Step. Their riders are among the top contenders for overall victory, and fans expect stellar performances. One of the biggest stars in attendance was Yves Lampaert of Soudal Quick-Step, a former Tour de France leader: "Last year we won two stages; it wouldn’t be bad to at least match that," the 34-year-old said with a smile. His teammate and 2017 Czech Tour winner Josef Černý added:
"I’m looking forward to the atmosphere — Czech cycling fans really know how to cheer. And I believe there will be plenty to watch."
While Wednesday’s team presentation was full of relaxed smiles, the racing will get serious on Thursday. The opening stage linking Prague and Karlovy Vary promises a fast and exciting start. Friday’s stage from Pardubice to the feared climb of Dlouhé stráně will challenge the climbers. Saturday’s stage from Prostějov to Ostrava is one for the sprinters, and the race will conclude on Sunday with the queen stage from Kroměříž to the summit finish at Pustevny.
Czech Tour 2025 - Race Schedule
- Stage 1 – August 14: Prague – Karlovy Vary (163 km / 2,260 m elevation)
- Stage 2 – August 15: Pardubice – Dlouhé stráně (170 km / 2,625 m elevation)
- Stage 3 – August 16: Prostějov – Ostrava (148 km / 1,378 m elevation)
- Stage 4 – August 17: Kroměříž – Pustevny (177 km / 2,983 m elevation)
Total: approx. 660 km, 9,246 m cumulative elevation. Subject to change.
Czech Tour 2025 - Live Broadcast Schedule
- Thursday, August 14 – Stage 1: 14:30–16:00 (ČT sport / Eurosport 2)
- Friday, August 15 – Stage 2: 14:30–16:00 (ČT sport / Eurosport 2)
- Saturday, August 16 – Stage 3: 15:30–17:00 (ČT2 / Eurosport 2)
- Sunday, August 17 – Stage 4: 14:10–15:40 (ČT sport / Eurosport 2)
