Ordu Black Sea Classic 2026: Umba and Balmer Lead the Challenge on the Turkish Coast

A Black Sea Classic in the Heart of TurkeyOn Sunday, August 16, 2026, the procontinental calendar stops in Ordu, on the Turkish Black Sea coast, for the Ordu Black Sea Classic. A race that promises to be spectacular, with an international field mixing Asian, European, and African teams. Specific route details have not been disclosed, but the hilly terrain suggests a hard-fought race suited to attackers.The Expected ProtagonistsThe startlist, consisting of 99 verified riders, features several standout names. Solution Tech NIPPO Rali fields a top-level lineup with Santiago Umba and Alexandre Balmer, both in great form. Kinan Racing Team relies on the experience of Rein Taaramäe, while Aisan Racing Team pins its hopes on Yuhi Todome and Hijiri Oda. Also watch the Turkish team Muğla Büyükşehir Belediyesi Spor Kulübü, which can count on Samet Bulut, and Terengganu Cycling Team with Zeb Kyffin, Mathias Bregnhøj, and Fergus Browning.Results from This SeasonThe most anticipated riders arrive in Ordu with an impressive track record. Santiago Umba won the GP Vorarlberg and finished second at the Trofeo Alcide Degasperi, showing excellent condition. Alexandre Balmer placed second at the GP Vorarlberg and fifth at the Giro dell'Appennino, confirming his strong moment. Rein Taaramäe took second at the Estonian National Championships, while Yuhi Todome won the Japanese National Championships. Samet Bulut achieved a notable placing at the Turkish National Championships, and Hijiri Oda finished sixth at the Tour de Kumano. Among potential surprises, Callum Ormiston (second at the Classique of Mauritius) and Fergus Browning (eleventh at the Tour de Kumano) could join the fight.Favorites for VictoryBased on this season's results, the number one favorite is Santiago Umba: the Colombian has proven he can win at procontinental level and compete against higher-category opponents. His teammate Alexandre Balmer is a concrete threat, thanks to his consistency. Rein Taaramäe can rely on experience to play his cards in a race that promises to be tactical. Yuhi Todome and Samet Bulut complete the list of contenders, with the Turk potentially exploiting his knowledge of the home roads.The Ordu Black Sea Classic takes place in a region known for its hazelnut plantations: Turkey is the world's leading producer of this nut, and Ordu is one of the main centers. — source: race data