In 1997, during the UCI congress in San Sebastian, TdP advanced to the professional category of 2.4, and was classified as a "National Race" (the first of its kind in Central and Eastern European countries).
Pada tahun 1997, pada saat kongres UCI di San Sebastian, TdP meningkat ke kategori professional 2.4, dan sekarang dikelompokkan dalam kategori "Balap Nasional" (pertama bagi negara di Eropa Tengah dan Timur).