The Baltic Chain Tour returns in 2026, bringing three days of international road racing to Latvia and Estonia from 21–23 August. The UCI Europe Tour event will once again welcome the strongest continental and elite teams from across the Baltic region, promising exciting racing on a challenging and varied route.

The 2026 edition consists of four stages spread across three race days. The opening day on 21 August features two stages. Stage 1A is the traditional Team Time Trial at the iconic Biķernieku race circuit in Riga. Unlike in 2025, teams will tackle the circuit in the opposite direction, adding a fresh challenge to one of the race’s most recognizable venues.

Later the same day, Stage 1B takes the peloton from Riga to Valga, crossing the Latvian-Estonian border. While the stage remains familiar to previous editions, the 2026 route has been slightly revised, including a different approach into the finish in Valga.

The race then moves entirely to Estonia for the final two stages. Stage 2, on 22 August, starts from the well-known cycling destination of Kuremaa. After several laps around Kuremaa and Laiuse, the riders head towards the finish in Ülenurme. Kuremaa holds a special place in Estonian cycling history, having produced several successful professional riders, most notably Erki Pütsep.

Race day in Kuremaa will also offer an opportunity for amateur cyclists to be part of the cycling festival. Alongside the Baltic Chain Tour, the 1. Paxu ja Totu Kuremaa velotuurile stage race will take place, organized by Kalevi Jalgrattakool together with Erki Pütsep. As Estonia’s only amateur stage race, it offers riders a unique chance to compete while experiencing the atmosphere of an international professional event. Spectators are warmly invited to cheer on both the amateur and professional pelotons throughout the day.

The decisive Stage 3 starts and finishes in Ülenurme, home to the Eesti Põllumajandusmuuseum. The route heads through the rolling roads of Southern Estonia, where the demanding terrain is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the overall winner of the 2026 Baltic Chain Tour.

One of the biggest storylines this year will be the return of defending overall winner Rait Ärm, who comes back with Energus Cycling aiming for a remarkable fourth Baltic Chain Tour victory. Achieving that milestone would make history and further cement his place among the race’s greatest riders.

With a refreshed route, challenging terrain, passionate cycling communities in both Latvia and Estonia, and a strong field of continental and elite teams from across the Baltic region, the 2026 Baltic Chain Tour is set to deliver another memorable edition of one of Northern Europe’s premier stage races.