Turkish governor fired for wearing tight cycling shorts that were ‘too snug’

Josh Milton | Senior science and technology reporter Published July 23, 2026 10:18pm Updated July 23, 2026 10:19pm Damn you, sexy Mehmet! Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli has been urged to cover up with a fig leaf at least by opposing politicians (Picture: Instagram) Is he too sexy for his shorts? A lycra-clad politician has been sacked after going viral for wearing too tight cycling gear. Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was removed from his post by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The cycling mad politician rode headfirst into an unexpected political maelstrom after photos of him in snug cycling shorts went viral. He has since also become the centre of a campaign pressing for his return to office amid an outpouring of affection.