Slovenia's Cycling Stars Set for Historic Tour de France

Published: 27.6.2024 More info

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Slovenia's Cycling Stars Set for Historic Tour de France

The 111th edition of Tour de France kicks off this Saturday. Slovenia's top champions, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, have been frequently mentioned as potential overall winners since the last year's race. These exceptional cyclists also serve as ambassadors of Slovenian tourism.

Slovenia's Cycling Stars Set for Historic Tour de France

The much-anticipated 111th edition of the Tour de France is predicted to be a Slovenian triumph. Two Slovenian champions who have topped the world cycling rankings in recent years, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, are in top form and have been frequently mentioned as potential overall winners since the last year's race. Moreover, sports commentators are convinced that these two Slovenians are prime contenders for victory and will be the biggest draw for fans from all over the world, eager to discover Slovenia's formula for breathtaking sporting success.

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A Unique Opportunity to Promote Slovenia as a Hub for Top Cyclists

Winning Tour de France, the most prestigious of the three grand cycling races, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of cycling achievement. This year’s 111th edition offers a unique platform to showcase Slovenia's cycling prowess on the global stage. Due to the Olympic Games in Paris, the Tour de France will follow a slightly modified route, starting in Florence and culminating in Nice. Over the course of three weeks, the world's elite professional cyclists will battle through a diverse number of challenges: sprints, hill climbs, mountain ascents, time trials, and, for the first time, a macadam stage. This varied terrain is designed to ensure a thrilling contest for the yellow jersey that promises to captivate fans right up to the final day.

During the race, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is seizing the opportunity to elevate Slovenia’s profile as a top destination for cycling enthusiasts. Through a range of promotional activities during the race, the STB will promote Slovenia and the “I Feel Slovenia” brand, highlighting the country’s exceptional outdoor experiences that attract cycling fans from around the globe. Among these efforts, the STB is crafting special stories featuring Slovenian tourism ambassadors and their cycling adventures. One such story follows the Roglič family on a scenic cycling tour through the picturesque region of Štajerska.

 

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Foreign Media on Slovenia: What’s the Secret Formula for Its Cycling Success?

As part of the Slovenian Tourist Board’s (STB) partnership with Eurosport, a new advertising campaign is capturing the global spotlight during the Tour de France. This year’s campaign is centered around a captivating promotional video titled “Slovenia: It’s All in Our Nature” featuring Tadej Pogačar. As the visibility and admiration for Slovenia’s cycling champions grow, so does the international curiosity about the nation where these exceptional athletes began their journey.

 

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Since the end of last year's Tour de France and Primož Roglič's team change, it’s rare to find a race article that doesn’t at least mention Slovenia’s cycling stars, if not place them at the centre of the story. In anticipation of the Tour de France, the STB welcomed a journalist from Le Monde, France’s premier daily newspaper, for an in-depth special report on Slovenia’s unique cycling culture and the natural beauty that nurtures its champions. She explored Slovenia’s rich cycling tradition and picturesque landscapes, including visits to the national road cycling championship in Trebnje, the 6th Tadej Pogačar Cup, and the cheering atmosphere of the Tour of Slovenia with a challenging climb up Krvavec. She also experienced the winter allure of Planica and the Planica Nordic Centre, learning about the successes of Primož Roglič and Slovenia’s Nordic skiing legends. Additionally, she explored Slovenia’s diverse cycling infrastructure, from long-distance bike routes and mountain bike centres to the velodrome in Novo Mesto.

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Pogačar: "I Can't Wait to See the Fans Again!"

Tadej Pogačar, the top cyclist in the UCI's world rankings and one of Slovenia’s most prominent athletes, has been eagerly following the achievements of his fellow Slovenian stars since his triumph at the Giro d’Italia. From Luka Dončić’s standout performance in the NBA Finals to the Slovenian national football team's impressive run at EURO 2024, Pogačar has been celebrating his compatriots' successes. Notably, he filmed a special motivational video for the Slovenian football team, which was featured during the Slovenia-Denmark match. You can watch the video here.

In his final interview before the team presentations and the start of the Tour de France on Saturday, Pogačar expressed his excitement and readiness for the challenge ahead. Reflecting on his intense preparation since the Giro, he stated: “I can’t wait to see the fans again!” As a two-time Tour de France winner and two-time runner-up in the past four editions, Pogačar is “hungry for overall victory” in this year’s Tour. He acknowledged that his rivals, including Primož Roglič, are exceptionally well-prepared, and he knows he will need to give his absolute best on every stage of the race.

Slovenia's Biggest Chance in History: Two Top Favourites for the Overall Title

The 111th Tour de France is set to be the most exhilarating edition in history, featuring an all-star line-up and an intense battle for the overall victory. Tadej Pogačar, fresh off his stunning triumph at the Giro d’Italia, is widely regarded as the top favourite for the title. He faces strong competition from Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, who is a close second, and Slovenia’s own Primož Roglič, after winning the prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this season. Additionally, Matej Mohorič is a notable name on the shortlist of potential stage winners, while Luka Mezgec will represent Slovenia as the lead-out man for the sprints.

The excitement surrounding this year’s Tour de France is heightened by the race’s start in Italy, which is expected to draw a significant number of Slovenian fans. Research agencies report that accommodation prices in Florence are rising by over 30%, and dining costs have increased by 27%, reflecting the high demand from fans. For many European visitors, outdoor experiences are the main attraction, while American tourists tend to focus on museums and cultural events. According to marketing reports from Almawave Group, the 2024 Tour de France is projected to achieve record attendance and generate an additional economic boost of more than $901 million, thanks to its collaboration with Italy.

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