An Ambassador with a gold medal. The Olympic champion of the road race at Beijing 2008, Samuel Sánchez, will experience up close the grand finale of the brand new Tour of Armenia, a 2.2 category race scheduled for September 10-13 and included in the UCI Europe Tour calendar. Four stages for a total of 587 km and 5,300 meters of elevation gain in a country that is decisively investing in cycling and has chosen a cycling legend to enhance the event.

Eighteen years in professional cycling and a palmares of absolute prestige: beyond the five-ring gem that shines brightest of all, Sánchez boasts three Grand Tour podiums and eight stage victories (including two team time trial wins). He finished second at the 2010 Tour de France – twelve months before claiming the polka dot jersey as best climber (2011) – and twice stood on the podium at the Vuelta a España, a race where he also has six stage victories: third in 2007 and second in 2009.

Once he hung up his bike as a professional cyclist, he did not abandon his beloved two wheels and founded the MMR Cycling Academy, a breeding ground for talent that has contributed to the development of riders such as Iván Romeo, Pelayo Sánchez, Markel Beloki, and Samuel Fernández. In addition to continuing to pedal for passion, Samuel is a brand ambassador, consultant, sports analyst for media outlets such as Eurosport and RNE, and entrepreneur.

His experience and charisma will provide an even more detailed and in-depth analysis of an event that in 2026 makes its debut on the international stage with the intention of putting down roots for the future. The Tour of Armenia will showcase many emerging talents, while also revealing the beauty of a surprising territory. The race will traverse the regions of Gegharkunik, Tavush, Lori, and Aragatsotn, closing in the capital Yerevan.

The Armenian Cycling Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, has been working for years to promote a discipline in strong expansion. The goal is to make this race, organized thanks to the technical advice and expertise of RCS Sports and Events DMCC, a permanent fixture on the international calendar.

STATEMENT BY SAMUEL SÁNCHEZ, TOUR OF ARMENIA AMBASSADOR
"It is a great pleasure to be an Ambassador for this race, in a country that is increasingly investing in cycling. I am convinced that the Tour of Armenia will not only contribute to the growth of this sport at the local level, but will also represent a magnificent opportunity to showcase to the rest of the world some of its most spectacular places. For me, it is a privilege to be present at this first edition, to experience the final act of the race up close, and to enjoy the finish in Yerevan. Furthermore, being able to count on the experience of an organizational team linked to a race of the caliber of the Giro d'Italia is an absolute guarantee and makes this debut even more special. I believe it will be a truly exciting experience and I hope it is the beginning of a race capable of growing and establishing itself on the international calendar for many years to come".

The stages of the 1st Tour of Armenia, September 10-13, 2026:
Thursday, September 10, Stage 1: Gavar - Mets Masrik (135 km, 450 m elevation gain).
Friday, September 11, Stage 2: Kirants - Stepanavan (177 km, 2,400 m elevation gain).
Saturday, September 12, Stage 3: Martuni - Dilijan (Lake Parz) (162 km, 1,700 m elevation gain).
Sunday, September 13, Stage 4: Yerevan - Yerevan (113 km - 10 laps of 11.3 km, 750 m elevation gain).

Official website: https://tour-of-armenia.com/