The 32nd Tour of Slovenia once again brought together world-class cycling, spectacular scenery and passionate fans. Over five days and more than 800 kilometres, the race showcased Slovenia to international audiences through live Eurosport broadcasts and promotional activities led by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB).
The cycling caravan took over Slovenian roads from 17 to 21 June, reinforcing Slovenia's image as an active and green European destination through a unique combination of sport and tourism. During five days of live broadcasts on Eurosport and TV Slovenia, cyclists and Slovenian fans alike won the hearts of spectators both along the route and on social media, where creative displays of support attracted widespread attention.
Creative fan installations became a hit on social media.
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) June 17, 2026
Throughout the race, the STB promoted Slovenia, the host destinations of the stage starts and finishes, and the I Feel Slovenia brand to international audiences. Fans were equipped with the recognisable green I Feel Slovenia flags, while the Feel Slovenia social media channels showcased Slovenia's active lifestyle, pristine natural landscapes, host destinations, vibrant fan atmosphere, and the celebrations of stage winners.
An Ideal Preparation for the Tour de France
Racing in summer temperatures, a peloton of more than 100 professional cyclists from 17 teams successfully completed all five stages, ranging from flat and rolling terrain to demanding mountain routes. The opening stage from Velenje to Rogaška Slatina offered stunning views of Slovenia's vast green landscapes, which repeatedly impressed the Eurosport commentators throughout the broadcast. In addition to the country's lush scenery, they also highlighted how clean and well-maintained Slovenia is. The finish of the first stage in Rogaška Slatina was attended by STB Director MSc Maja Pak Olaj, who presented the winner's trophy to New Zealand's Laurence Pithie of the Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe team.
The overall winner of the race and recipient of the green jersey, Florian Lipowitz of Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, also expressed his admiration for Slovenia. The Tour of Slovenia served as an important preparation race ahead of the Tour de France, and he was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of Slovenian fans, who gave him a warm and vocal welcome at every stage.
Local fans also helped boost the race's visibility with their creative displays of support.
The second stage, from Radlje ob Dravi to Ormož, brought success for Serbian rider Dušan Rajović of Solution Tech NIPPO Rali. Having spent much of his career training in Slovenia while riding for Adria Mobil and Bahrain Victorious, Rajović was especially proud to claim victory in front of numerous friends cheering along the route. The stage started in Radlje ob Dravi for the first time and partly followed the long-distance Drava Cycling Route, which connects Slovenia, Italy, Austria and Croatia.
Friday's stage from Maribor to Celje showcased the excellent cycling terrain around the Pohorje region, featuring rolling roads and several short but demanding climbs, including the popular ascent to Celjska Koča. At the finish, Laurence Pithie celebrated his second stage victory of the race.
Return to Slovenia's Highest Mountain Pass After 13 Years
The weekend began with a start in Kranj, the capital of the Gorenjska region. From there, the peloton headed towards Kranjska Gora, taking a longer route worthy of a queen stage and including the legendary climb to the Vršič Pass. Thousands of fans gathered on both the Primorska and Gorenjska sides of Slovenia's highest mountain road pass to cheer on the race's best climbers. Florian Lipowitz was the first rider to reach the summit, followed closely by Italy's Giulio Pellizzari and the best-placed Slovenian, Jakob Omrzel. Returning to Vršič after 13 years, the queen stage demonstrated that Slovenia offers mountain challenges capable of rivaling those found in the world's greatest cycling races.
Slovenian rider Jan Tratnik of Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe also received exceptional support from fans as he approached the summit of Vršič.
Jan Tratnik on the road from Vršič, powered by incredible support from the fans lining one of Slovenia’s most iconic cycling climbs. #ifeelslovenia#tourofslovenia pic.twitter.com/4WXrCzUyxf
On the final day, riders started in the heart of Slovenia, in Litija, before finishing in the country's cycling capital, Novo Mesto. Along the way, the stage featured several short but challenging climbs. As is tradition, the largest crowds gathered on the ascent to Trška Gora and at the main finish venue in the centre of Novo Mesto. Florian Lipowitz secured both the stage victory and the overall race win, while his teammate Giulio Pellizzari and promising young Slovenian Jakob Omrzel joined him on the final podium.
Fans in Zagorje ob Savi prepared a special message of support for Primož Roglič's supporters around the world as the race passed through the town during the final stage.
A special reception for the hometown hero Primož Roglič in Slovenia today ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/DmquHX2n8L
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) June 21, 2026
At the conclusion of Stage 5, Florian Lipowitz was crowned the winner of the 2026 Tour of Slovenia.
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