Giro d'Italia visits Slovenia again!

As part of its 19th stage, the Giro d'Italia again took a turn into Slovenian territory. Find out where the "Slovenian" stage of the prestigious Giro d'Italia took place.

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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Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.

Tadej Pogačar – cycling genius and his homeland Slovenia

Get to know the Slovenian grandmaster of great cycling races, Tadej Pogačar.

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.

Discover the destination through which a stage of the Giro 2022 passed

The Soča Valley is a world of active outdoor experiences, a valley of memories of the turbulent events of the First World War and a place of top gastronomic experiences.

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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.

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Road cycling

Road biking is very common in Slovenia. Numerous trails run on various types of terrain and in a clean natural environment, so you can select a different experience each time.

Cycling routes

Gaze into the distance and take a bike ride on picturesque trails. Long-distance trails in Slovenia wind their way through dynamic landscapes in different parts of the country – along the River Drava, on the coast, in the Alpine world, and along the River Mura.

To Slovenia for a mountain biking experience

Varied cycling trails and paths winding between rocks, meadows and forests are a magnet for mountain bikers. Let their charm bewitch you too!

More on: To Slovenia for a mountain biking experience

Bike parks

Take your bike to bike parks, where you can get your adrenaline pumping and gain new experiences. Discover how well you “master” your bike. Beginners and professionals alike will be happy to ride on the biking trails in the many bike parks.

Cycling among Vineyards

Discovering wine-growing parts of Slovenia by bicycle. Cycling among vineyards and along wine-tourist roads is a genuine experience, which can be upgraded with tastings of the local wines and delicacies.

The Most Beautiful Biking Trails

Don’t forget your bicycle when visiting Slovenia. The numerous paths for different tastes will reward you with unforgettable cycling experience. Experience some of the most beautiful paths.

More on: The Most Beautiful Biking Trails

Family cycling

Take your children to a world that they have never seen before. You can bike on forest trails or on special biking trails. To spend an active and healthy holiday, choose between a mountainous or coastal environment, Pannonian plains or rolling hills.

Explore the green destinations of Slovenia by e-bike

Not a fan of long-distance or uphill cycling? Pick an e-bike and take a ride to the most amazing views of green Slovenia.

More on: Explore the green destinations of Slovenia by e-bike

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

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

A green story of Slovenia

Slovenia is a pioneer in the field of strategic sustainable tourism development on a national level. Over 270 Slovenian destinations and tourism service providers have successfully obtained the Slovenia Green label, which reflects their sustainable approach and responsible behaviour towards the environment. Discover your favourite green corners and experiences and join us in creating a better future.

Steps towards sustainability

Slovenia was the first country to be declared a Global Green Destination. Its green journey continues through numerous sustainability-oriented projects and practices with which it justifies its title of a green country.

Sustainable gastronomy

The main attributes of Slovenian cuisine are local ingredients used in both traditional dishes and masterpieces from top chefs. Discover chefs with prestigious achievements in sustainability and see for yourselves the inspiring reasons for the positive development of Slovenia's profile as a country of sustainable culinary excellence.

How to visit Slovenia in a green way

We pride ourselves on our unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage, which we actively protect for the generations to come. We encourage you to help us in achieving this. Follow the green guidelines for ensuring sustainable behaviour before, during, and after your visit to Slovenia, so as to have a positive impact on the natural environment and local communities.

Recipe for Slovenian sporting success

Have you ever wondered why such a small country like Slovenia has so many top-level athletes in so many sports? There are many ingredients of the successful sport story of Slovenia. Of course, as in all other things, perseverance, courage and heart count for a lot. And these ingredients are certainly not lacking in the greatest Slovenian sporting names.

Explore

Unleash the full potential of your favourite outdoor activity and turn it into the ultimate adventure!

GET THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES E-GUIDE, YOURS FOR FREE!

Subscribe to our e-newsletter and select your favorite outdoor activity to receive a tailored pack of ideas, exclusively designed to help you make the most of Slovenia's abundant offerings. But that's not all! As a bonus, you'll also receive the extensive Slovenia Outdoor e-guide, packed with nearly 100 pages of breathtaking ideas for sports and recreation amidst the country's lush natural environment.

Discover green, healthy and active Slovenia

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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Regions

In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.

Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

Wines of Slovenia

Where to taste wines from Slovenia's three wine-growing regions?

Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

The best for gourmets

Discover why Slovenia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for gourmets.

Top 10 sights

Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

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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Giro d'Italia visits Slovenia again!

Giro d'Italia with a touch of Slovenia

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

Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar – ambassadors of Slovenia