1996

25th Tour de Hongrie

After two unsuccesful seasons, Hungarians won four stages out of six this time. They couldn't win the General Classification though - Ukrainian international Andrei Tolomanov beat János Istlstekker by five seconds.

The podium after the prologue (from the left): Tibor Valter, János Istlstekker,
László Bodrogi, Tamás Havarik and (from Team Girardengo) Csaba Szekeres

For the first time in its history, Tour de Hongrie started with a team time trial in Budapest, between Oktogon and Heroes' Square. The spectacular stage was won by Italian Girardengo-Alplast. Their squad included the 19-year-old Csaba Szekeres, who went on to win two Hungarian NC's and rode for the Colombian-Italian Selle Italia team for three years. Another Hungarian star was rising in 1996: László Bodrogi won Stage 4, and later went on to become the most successful Hungarian cyclist of all time. The time trial specialist spent 13 years as a professional - his biggest success was his 2nd place in Stuttgart at the World Championships behind only Fabio Cancellara in 2007.

The Valter-family had its first success in 1996, when Tibor won Stage 2 in Veszprém. His son, Attila won our race in 2020 and wore the Maglia Rosa in the Giro d'Italia. They are the only father-son duo, who both won a stage at the Tour de Hongrie. 

The bronze medalist of the 25th Tour de Hongrie was Károly Eisenkrammer, who became the main organiser of the race in 2001. He maintains his position to this day.

25th Tour de Hongrie (9-14 July 1996, 812 km)

Stage winners:
Prologue (Budapest, Oktogon, 4 km team time trial): Girardengo-Alplast (Italian)
Stage 1 (Budapest - Győr, 158 km): Csaba Steig (Hungarian, Szolnoki Cukorgyár)
Stage 2 (Győr - Veszprém, 176 km): Tibor Valter (Hungarian, Blikk-Stollwerck-FTC)
Stage 3 (Veszprém - Kecskemét, 173 km): Tamás Havarik (Hungarian, Blikk-Stollwerck-FTC)
Stage 4 (Kecskemét - Gyöngyös, 184 km): László Bodrogi (Hungarian, Blikk-Stollwerck-FTC)
Stage 5 (Gyöngyös - Budapest, 117 km): Arnaldo Waldner (olasz, Girardengo-Alplast)

General Classification:
1. Andrei Tolomanov (Ukraine) 20:09:06
2. János Istlstekker (Hungarian, Blikk–Stollwerck–FTC) 20:09:11 (+0:05)
3. Károly Eisenkrammer (Hungarian, Szolnoki Cukorgyár) 20:09:21 (+0:15)

Winner of the Teams Classification: Blikk–Stollwerck–FTC

Winner of the Points Classification: Andrei Tolomanov (Ukraine)

Winner of the Mountains Classification: Csaba Steig (Hungarian, Szolnoki Cukorgyár)