The Western University of Timișoara hosted, on August 31, for the second consecutive year, the start of the most important annual cycling race, the Tour of Romania 2021. In the perimeter of the UVT central parking lot, the presentation of the 15 international teams, coming from 10 countries, was organized , entered in this edition of the Tour of Romania. The event was attended by representatives of the Romanian Cycling Federation and its partners, the Government of Romania, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Auchan Romania.
On the part of the local collaborators, those who ensured the good organization of the Start of this edition, were the Rector of UVT, prof. Dr. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, together with the President of the Timiș County Council, Mr. Alin Nica and the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Timișoara, Mr. Cosmin Tabără.
At the opening of the event, the Children's Race was organized, also in the location of the central parking lot of UVT, in which more than 150 children between the ages of 3 and 14 participated. Unlike professional competition riders, children generally participate in competitions because they find it fun. But, in this way, children also develop, over time, the spirit of fair play and the passion for a sporting life.
The first day of the Tour of Romania, Tuesday, August 31, was dedicated to the Prolog race, held in Timișoara. Nothing can attract the public more than a "parade" of each athlete through the streets of the city. In this case, everything happened during the 4 km circuit, from the center of Timișoara. For the cyclists, being able to pedal on a central circuit, cheered on by hundreds of spectators, is a huge moral "boost" before the five difficult stages. The program of the Prologue stage included the Start of the Prologue (18:00 p.m.), the Finish of the Prologue (20:00 p.m.) and the Prize Ceremony (20:20 p.m.), all organized in the West University Parking in Timișoara.
In the presentation event of the teams participating in the Tour of Romania 2021, the Rector of UVT, university professor Dr. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, emphasized: "We are happy to be part of an international sports event and to contribute to the promotion of Romania on the international cycling map, together with the Romanian Cycling Federation and its partners: the Government of Romania, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Auchan Romania. Our university cannot stay away from sports, in general, and that is why, through the UVT University Sports Club, in which nine sports sections operate, we support grassroots sports and performance sports. UVT is the most important comprehensive university in the west of the country, where the sports vocation is valued and stimulated. That is precisely why this renowned university happily supports a cycling team, UVT - Devron West Cycling Team, which we are proud of and which won, this year, no less than five national champion titles, in the championships of Romania and Republic of Moldova. Even if we cannot physically participate in this edition of the Tour of Romania, the colors of our country are carried by our student and athlete Iustin Văidian, together with the National Cycling Team of Romania. We are proud that this prestigious international competition is starting, for the second year in a row, from Timișoara, from UVT, a university where every student can find the best version of themselves, through ambition, involvement, creativity and passion . Good luck to all teams and a long chain in Mica Buclă 2021!".
