Antalya's Manavgat district is getting ready for a three-day "Bicycle Festival," including the MTB Mountain Bicycle Marathon next month.

Co-organized by the Manavgat Municipality and the Association of Manavgat Side Touristic Hotel-Keepers, the festival will take place in the park area of the Oymapınar neighborhood. Races between students and various events will be held during the three-day festival.

The MTB Mountain Bicycle Marathon, which was previously organized in Manavgat in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, is planned to kick off at the Manavgat Atatürk Cultural Center. The bicycle marathon will take place in two separate racetracks for 85 and 62 kilometers.

Manavgat Governor Nazmi Günlü said the MTB Mountain Bicycle Marathon has become an international event. The Manavgat Bicycle Festival, which is set to take place from March 24-26 in Oymapınar, will host numerous activities and events. The MTB Mountain Bicycle Marathon will get the green light on March 26. Cyclists from the Turkish Cycling Federation as well as cyclists from Germany are expected to participate in the marathon.

"Our goal is to put the MTB Mountain Bicycle Marathon into the world biking championships calendar. The organizers of the Manavgat Bicycle Festival are continuing to work on the locations of the racetracks for the marathon," said Governor Günlü.

Among Antalya's rich history and natural wonders that are also worth checking out, the town of Manavgat offers a tranquilizing environment. Located 3 kilometers from the town center, the Manavgat waterfall is a great option to spend a relaxing day. Near the waterfall there are tea gardens, a fish restaurant, recreational areas and souvenir shops. It is also possible to take a boat trip up the Manavgat River to explore this lovely area further.