Giro d'Italia with a touch of Slovenia

The prestigious Giro d'Italia returned to Slovenia again in 2022. The 19th stage of one of the biggest three-week cycling events took the cyclists through part of the Soča Valley with a challenging climb to Kolovrat. This was one of the excellent opportunities for Slovenia, where cycling is one of the most popular activities, to show the world its cycling soul, green countryside and excellent options for outdoor activities.

With the Giro, Slovenia is in the company of the "Great Three"

Cycling enthusiasts know that there are only three great challenges among all the world’s cycling races – France's Tour de France, Spain's Vuelta and Italy's Giro d'Italia. An overall win in one of these prestigious races shoots professional cyclists straight to the cycling Olympus. Slovenians have already learned how it feels to have their heroes among the winners of one of the three-week races, a distinction for which we can thank Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič

Tadej Pogacar

Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar – ambassadors of Slovenia

When Slovenia is mentioned to anyone who is interested in cycling, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar are probably the first names that come to their minds. Although they have shone in numerous international races, what made history was the epic battle fought by the Slovenian champions in the 2020 Tour de France. Get better acquainted with the Slovenian cycling heroes who are also ambassadors for Slovenian tourism.

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Slovenia and its achievements at the Giro

Slovenian cyclists have won several stages of the Giro so far. First to enter his name among the winners of the individual stages of the Giro was Luka Mezgec in 2014, to be followed by Jan Polanc, Primož Roglič, Matej Mohorič and Jan Tratnik. The highlight of all Slovenian Giro appearances to date was Primož Roglič in 2023, who became the first Slovenian to wear the pink overall winner's jersey.

 

The Giro is especially close to the heart of Slovenians because it takes an occasional turn into Slovenian territory. The last time was in 2022, when one of the stages crossed the Italian-Slovenian border via Učja. The cyclists rode through villages along the Soča River to Kobarid and from there to Idrsko. They climbed through Livek and Livške Ravne to Kolovrat and then back to Italy via the Solarji saddle, where the final climb to the famous pilgrimage centre of Stara Gora above Chedad awaited them. The cyclists climbed a total of 3,230 vertical metres on the 178 km long, Slovenian-themed stage.

kobarid

Giro d'Italia in brief

The Giro d'Italia (also known as the Giro or La Corsa Rosa) is an annual stage race for professional male cyclists that takes place mostly on Italian roads. Occasionally, it crosses the borders of neighbouring countries, and in its more than 100-year history, it has also entered Slovenia six times.

Take a look at a few interesting facts about the race

The Giro d'Italia was held for the first time in 1909, making it one of the oldest cycling races in the world. The first winner was Luigi Ganna.

Since 1931, cyclists have been competing for the pink jersey awarded to the overall winner. Pink is the colour of the organiser of the race, the sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which is still printed on pink paper.

The 2021 Giro d'Italia was broadcast in as many as 185 countries. Television stations generated a total of 95 hours of live coverage of the race.

Before 2022, the pink caravan visited Slovenia five times. The starting or finishing points of the "Slovenian" stage have included Kranj, Bled, Portorož and Ljubljana, and the route of the Giro has also ventured twice into the Brda region in the past.

Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists

It doesn’t matter what kind of cyclist you are or what kind of bicycle you ride - you will find something to your liking in Slovenia. The diverse and picturesque landscape will take your mind off all the effort, and time and kilometres will fly by just like that. In Slovenia, you can ride a bicycle practically every day in the year; the main cycling season is between April and November, and in places with a temperate Mediterranean climate it can last into the winter.

Underlined with green

In the Giro d'Italia cycling race, a lot of attention is also dedicated to sustainability. Under the slogan "ride green" the organisers ensure that the race is not only attractive to sport enthusiasts, but they also strive to make it a role model for sustainable activity and environmental protection. Sustainability guidelines are also of key importance in Slovenia, the first country in the world to be declared a green destination as a whole.

Take a tour through our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.

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Take a tour through our green story

Take a tour through our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.

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A green story of Slovenia

A green story of Slovenia

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Steps towards sustainability

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How to visit Slovenia in a green way

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Recipe for Slovenian sporting success

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Slovenia is a diverse country. In less than two hours, you can go from the Alpine world to the sea coast or wine-growing districts. It is the home of the diverse flavours offered by 24 gastronomy and 3 wine-growing regions. The healthy waters fill you up with fresh energy and restore your powers after active exploration of the green countryside.

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Cycling in Slovenia - cycling accommodations and destinations

Cycling in Slovenia - cycling accommodations and destinations

The publication describes tours for various biking types; here, you can find information on accommodation for bikers, trail difficulty, natural and cultural attractions along the way, and suggestions for biking holidays.



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