Slovenia in the Pink Spotlight of World Cycling Media

This year's race holds special significance for Slovenian cyclists. A decade ago, Luka Mezgec became the first Slovenian to win a stage at the Giro. Among the spectators was a 15-year-old Tadej Pogačar, who now, as the world’s best cyclist, celebrates his own stage victories with Mezgec’s congratulations.

Pogačar's performance at Giro has attracted extensive global media attention, with outlets like The Guardian, Eurosport, The Global Cycling Network and La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighting his performances and engaging personality. The official Giro d'Italia social media profiles frequently feature posts about Pogačar, underlining his popularity. Ahead of the start, Reuters published a comprehensive feature on the Slovenian champion.

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Pogačar’s charisma and approachability have made him a fan favorite. Eurosport commentators attribute his appeal to his playful and relaxed performance. A touching moment during the race saw Pogačar give a pink jersey to a young rider who had cheered for him years ago, capturing hearts and going viral online.

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With several stages of the Giro near the Slovenian border, a significant turnout of Slovenian fans is expected. As the Giro progresses, Slovenia’s presence remains strong, promising another memorable chapter in the nation's cycling legacy. The final weekend of the Giro is set to be a spectacular showcase of Slovenian-Italian fan unity, celebrating what could be another consecutive overall victory for Slovenia in one of the sport’s most challenging races.

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