Shiraz Tour of the Roses   

Shiraz in Iran is well known under his population as the city of flowers, gardens and is considered the cultural capital of Iran. Because of that, the riders in this race are often positively surprised with their visit to Iran.

The race starts off at the entrance of the Chamran Grand Hotel, with 109 metres the largest hotel tower in Iran, after the mayor of Shiraz gives the starting signal. From here on the route lea...

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Shiraz in Iran is well known under his population as the city of flowers, gardens and is considered the cultural capital of Iran. Because of that, the riders in this race are often positively surprised with their visit to Iran.

The race starts off at the entrance of the Chamran Grand Hotel, with 109 metres the largest hotel tower in Iran, after the mayor of Shiraz gives the starting signal. From here on the route leads the peleton past touristic attractions such as the Tomb of Hafez and the citadel of Arg of Karim Kahn towards the city centre limits at the Qur'an Gate. Once outside the city, the peleton is off to the first, and only climb of the day. Babakoohi mountain is often a deciding factor to eliminate the incapable climbers of the day.

On top of the mountain the peleton passes Shiraz' only wind turbine, before going downhill with a very slow decent through the forests surrounding Shiraz. Once down, a very high speed and very flat road lies in front of the remaining riders. The riders should watch the road as they race through the surroundings, but they should always take a short moment to look around and enjoy the beautiful nature around the route. Shiraz is the city of flowers, and as its name suggests, the route leads the riders through the best parts of it.

Once the riders pass through the Qur'an gate once more, they are off to their final destination: the Eram Garden, where a bouquet of the prettiest roses in Iran are awaiting the winner. The Shiraz Tour of the Roses is pure propaganda for Iran, and it is a great race in the OCM cycling calender.