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Pogi Challenge Returns with a Homecoming Celebration for Tadej Pogačar Immediately After the Tour de France

Pogi Challenge Returns with a Homecoming Celebration for Tadej Pogačar Immediately After the Tour de France

The Pogi Challenge, a unique cycling event created by Tadej Pogačar, made an impressive debut last year, attracting cyclists and media from Slovenia and abroad. The event exceeded expectations, offering participants the rare opportunity to ride alongside the world's best cyclist. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is once again the event's national partner.

A Cycling Festival for All Generations

From 31 July to 2 August, Slovenia will once again become the centre of cycling excitement. Fresh from the conclusion of the Tour de France, the world's biggest cycling race, the world's top-ranked cyclist and ambassador of Slovenian tourism will return to his hometown of Komenda to host three days of unforgettable cycling experiences.

As the event's national partner, the STB will showcase the I feel Slovenia brand through an integrated promotional campaign. Thanks to its significant international reach across both traditional and social media, the event provides an excellent platform for promoting Slovenia as a green, sustainable destination for outdoor holidays and cycling adventures.

Last year's inaugural Pogi Challenge, featuring the iconic climb to Krvavec, attracted 1,189 cyclists from 36 countries, while more than 7,000 participants and spectators attended the event overall.

A Rare Opportunity to Meet the World's Best Cyclist at Home

Following the Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar traditionally returns to Slovenia to spend time with family and friends. He also dedicates part of his homecoming to the fans who support him throughout the international racing season. The three-day Pogi Challenge brings together cycling enthusiasts for a celebration of riding, community and Slovenian landscapes.

The event was created from Pogačar's wish to offer fans an authentic cycling experience on the roads where his own journey began. It was on these climbs that he trained as a young rider and where, in 2009, he celebrated his first competitive victory.

 

This year's programme opens on Friday with the 8th Tadej Pogačar Criterium, a traditional race held on a circuit through Komenda, featuring cyclists of all ages and categories. The highlight is the elite race, where Pogačar competes alongside friends and fellow professionals from the international cycling peloton.

Friday evening will also feature an official homecoming celebration for Tadej Pogačar in Komenda, followed by a concert by Magnifico.

Saturday is dedicated to families, while Sunday brings the second edition of the Pogi Challenge – the iconic climb to Krvavec, the mountain where Pogačar completed countless training rides during his youth. Those early ascents are widely regarded as an important part of the journey that helped shape him into one of the world's greatest climbers.

Photos: © 2025 Ekstrem d.o.o.

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

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