Almost a thousand participants from 53 countries took part in the I FEEL SLOVENIA virtual cycling race

Five Saturdays in a row, between 27 February and 27 March 2021, the first I FEEL SLOVENIA Virtual Cycling Race took place. Though intended for recreational cyclists, it also attracted professionals. In total, there were as many as 958 cyclists from 53 countries who participated in at least one stage, among them also well-known professional cyclists, including Matej Mohorič, Jani Brajkovič and Domen Novak. Participants were mostly from the United States. What is more, more than four thousand viewers watched the races live on the ROUVY YouTube channel.

The virtual cycling race offered a great possibility of promoting natural beauties of Slovenia and presenting the country as an excellent destination for active experiences even during the pandemic. Five stages of cycling routes around Slovenia were uploaded to Rouvy, and almost half a million of their users received an invitation to participate in the race. The first stage took place in Gorenjska, with participants cycling from Cerklje na Gorenjskem to Vrh pod Krvavcem. The cyclists got to know Dolenjska on the second stage, when they cycled from Črnomelj to Novo mesto. The third stage was carried out on the coast, starting in Izola and finishing off in Koper. On the fourth stage, the participants discovered the picturesque Alpine landscape. The route took them from Bohinj, past Bled to Pokljuka. And the last, fifth stage, took place in Ljubljana, with a finish at Ljubljana Castle.

In addition to the name of the cycling race, the appearance of the I feel Slovenia brand was further emphasized by the Fight for Green slogan and the display of the I feel Slovenia brand on the green jersey for the overall winner and the winner by age category. Among the participants of the fourth and fifth stages, the recipient of Primož Roglič’s jersey was also drawn.

During the pandemic, the popularity of virtual cycling grew massively. The applications for virtual indoor cycling with the use of special trainers, have caused a real revolution in this sport in the last two years. The I FEEL SLOVENIA virtual cycling race around Slovenia will be available to all users of Rouvy for another six months.

Diversified cycling routes, a series of cycling events and the success of professional cyclists have put Slovenia on the map of the best cycling destinations. The Slovenian Tourist Board is aware of the great importance of internationally recognizable and resounding sporting events and top athletes for the promotion of Slovenia, which is why it has strengthened activities in the field of development and promotion of active vacation products and partnerships with top athletes, ambassadors of Slovenian tourism. In order to increase the visibility and reputation of Slovenia as a destination for active and healthy holidays, the STB has also partnered up with top cyclists Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar.

Back to news