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The Country Behind Cycling's Greatest Generation

Published:
22.7.2026

The Country Behind Cycling's Greatest Generation

From Tour de France history to riding alongside Tadej Pogačar and tackling one of Europe's toughest mountain bike trails, Slovenia is turning an extraordinary cycling season into an invitation for travellers to experience the country on two wheels.

Few countries can claim a cycling story as compelling as Slovenia's. While Tadej Pogačar continues to make Tour de France history on the world's biggest cycling stage, fans will soon have the opportunity to ride the roads that shaped his career during the Pogi Challenge. At the same time, Slovenian ultra-endurance cyclist Adam Jordan is preparing to showcase the country's extraordinary landscape diversity by attempting to complete the entire Slovenian Mountain Biking Trail in just five days.

Tadej Pogačar Continues to Rewrite Tour de France History

For the seventh consecutive year, Slovenia has remained firmly in the global spotlight during the Tour de France, thanks largely to Tadej Pogačar's remarkable performances. 

Among the most significant achievements is his 61st day in the yellow jersey, moving him into third place on the all-time ranking of riders who have worn the Tour's leader's jersey. His latest victory also marked Slovenia's 30th Tour de France stage win, achieved through the combined successes of Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič and Matej Mohorič. Pogačar also became the first rider in Tour history to win the prestigious Bastille Day stage three times. 

Read more about Pogačar's remarkable performance


Pitch ideas

  • How did a country of just two million people become one of cycling's global powerhouses?
  • Ride where the world's best cyclist trains – discover Slovenia beyond the Tour de France.
  • Why Slovenia should be on every cyclist's bucket list this summer.

Ride the Roads That Shaped the World's Best Cyclist

The celebrations continue almost immediately after the Tour de France concludes. From 31 July to 2 August, Pogačar returns to his hometown of Komenda for the second edition of the Pogi Challenge, offering cycling enthusiasts a rare opportunity to meet – and ride with – the world's top-ranked cyclist.

Created from Pogačar's desire to share the roads where his own journey began, the three-day event combines elite racing, family activities and the iconic climb to Krvavec, where he completed many of his formative training rides. Friday also features the traditional Tadej Pogačar Criterium and an official homecoming celebration in Komenda.

Discover more fascinating facts and ride with Pogačar

Last year's inaugural event attracted 1,189 cyclists from 36 countries, while more than 7,000 participants and spectators attended overall, demonstrating the growing international appeal of Slovenia as a cycling destination. As national partner, the Slovenian Tourist Board is once again using the event to promote Slovenia as a green destination for outdoor holidays and active experiences. 


Pitch ideas

  • The making of a champion: Explore the landscapes, climbs and cycling culture that shaped Tadej Pogačar and a remarkable generation of Slovenian cyclists.
  • From yellow jerseys to green destinations: The story behind Slovenia's rise as a cycling nation.
  • Ride alongside Tadej Pogačar during the Pogi Challenge.
  • Meet the world's best cyclist – at home.
  • Why cycling fans should visit Slovenia immediately after the Tour de France.

One of Europe's Ultimate Mountain Bike Challenges

While thousands gather around Pogačar's homecoming, another remarkable cycling story will unfold across the country.

Beginning on 5 August, Slovenian ultra-endurance cyclist Adam Jordan will attempt to complete the entire Slovenian Mountain Biking Trail (STKP) – approximately 1,850 kilometres with more than 50,000 metres of elevation gain – in just five days, riding entirely self-supported. 

Follow the five-day challenge

Where Champions Ride – and Everyone Else Is Invited.

From producing some of the world's greatest professional cyclists to hosting events where visitors can ride alongside them, Slovenia continues to demonstrate that cycling is far more than a sport—it's an integral part of the country's identity.

Whether following the Tour de France, climbing the same roads as Tadej Pogačar, or exploring thousands of kilometres of mountain biking trails, travellers can experience first-hand why Slovenia has become one of Europe's most exciting destinations for cycling adventures.

Explore cycling in Slovenia

Contacts

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

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