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The Amateur Road World Championship in Slovenia

Published:
21.2.2011

The Amateur Road World Championship in Slovenia

Between 28 and 31 August, Ljubljana will become a cycling capital, as Slovenia gears up to host the Amateur Road World Championship (ARWC), which will follow the course of the popular Maraton Franja, with both the start and finish in Ljubljanas BTC City. The road race, leading cyclists from Ljubljana through UNESCOs Idrija, hilly Cerkno, and medieval Škofja Loka, is expected to see up to 2,000 participants and 10,000 visitors.

Between 28 and 31 August, Ljubljana will become a cycling capital, as Slovenia gears up to host the Amateur Road World Championship (ARWC), which will follow the course of the popular Maraton Franja, with both the start and finish in Ljubljana`s BTC City. The road race, leading cyclists from Ljubljana through UNESCO`s Idrija, hilly Cerkno, and medieval Škofja Loka, is expected to see up to 2,000 participants and 10,000 visitors. This event will help Slovenia to become an even more visible cycling destination. The ARWC can also be an excellent springboard for the eventual organization of the real World Championship in Slovenia in 2017.

The decision that Slovenia would host the world championship, was led by the excellent organisation of Franja Marathon. One of the largest recreational cycling events in Slovenia bears its name from the Franja Partisan Hospital in Cerkno, which has received the European Heritage label. Organizers compare the atmosphere at Maraton Franja to the prestigious Tour de France. The successful event was recognized by the International Cycling Union, which is entrusting Slovenia with the organization of the event, bringing the best recreational cyclists together in one spot from 28 to 31 August. On the first day of the Amateur Road World Championship, BTC City will host both time trials and the official opening ceremony. This year`s new feature, the relay race, will be held on Friday, 29 August, on Kongresni trg.

Slovenia is a popular cycling destination both for road bikes and off-road. Cycling through the hills and plains, mountain peaks and forests, along the rivers and lakes of Slovenia is an unforgettable experience amidst the green nature. The best way to feel Slovenia is on the move. For a multi-day, active vacation between the Alps and the Adriatic sea, check special cycling packages with accommodations dedicated to cyclists.

Hosting the cycling world championship will certainly contribute to the visibility of the Slovenian Capital, which is celebrating the 2,000th anniversary of Emona, the urban predecessor of Roman Ljubljana. Together with the organizers, Ljubljana`s residents will do everything they can to earn Ljubljana a place in the hearts of the competitors and their fans. Last but not least, Ljubljana was awarded the European Mobility Week Award for its exemplary activity in change toward sustainable mobility. It was the first city among the 30 participants to win the award two times in a row. The capital of Slovenia has thus become the Olympus of green cities in Europe, as it is especially friendly to cyclists and pedestrians. This is sure to be felt by the cyclists at ARWC.

In last year`s championship in Italian Trento, 1,597 pairs of pedals rode the course. Slovenian organizers expect around 2,000 participants this year as well. The most important and eagerly awaited part of the World Championship – ARWC Ljubljana 2014 will be held on Sunday, 31 August. Tomaž Grm, President of the Slovenian Cycling Federation, predicts: "The rise of recreational sports events, not just in cycling, is at a high and enviable level in Slovenia. The sports events organized so far have proven that we can accomplish the impossible. Having been entrusted with organizing the ARWC is recognition that we are doing well. Moreover organizing such a championship is a chance for Slovenia to become an even more popular cycling destination".

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

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