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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 returns with a Slovenian touch

The prestigious Giro d’Italia, now in its 108th edition, will bring cycling fever back to Slovenia on 24 May 2025. Specifically, it will pass through Goriška Brda, Nova Gorica and Gorizia – the European Capital of Culture 2025. For Slovenia, where cycling is one of the most popular activities, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase its cycling spirit, green landscapes and outstanding outdoor experiences.


📆 Save Saturday, 24 May – or the whole weekend – for Slovenian cycling and a unique experience through Goriška Brda, Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley.

The Giro places Slovenia among the "Big Three"

Cycling fans know there are only three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, La Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia. A win in any of these prestigious races propels a professional rider into the sport’s elite. Slovenians already know the joy of seeing their heroes – Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič – take overall victories in these grand three-week races.

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.

This year’s Giro features 21 stages, covering 3,413.3 kilometres and 52,500 metres of elevation gain. For comparison, that's like cycling from Goričko to Piran nearly ten times – or climbing Mount Triglav more than 18 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.

Broadcast across five continents and in 198 countries, it reaches an annual audience of 694 million viewers.

Before 2025, the pink caravan visited Slovenia six times.

The Giro to paint the European Capital of Culture 2025 pink

This will be the seventh time the Giro visits Slovenia. It’s no coincidence that the Italian Grand Tour winds through Slovenia’s picturesque wine-growing hills, challenging mountain passes and expansive alpine valleys. Slovenian stages have often been decisive in the battle for the pink jersey – or at least caused major shake-ups at the top of the leaderboard.

Nova Gorica and Gorizia– the 2025 European Capital of Culture – together with Goriška Brda, will come alive with cheering fans along the route of Stage 14 on Saturday, 24 May. The stage will start in Treviso, Italy, cross the border between Slovenia and Italy at Cormons, and follow a scenic and dynamic route through Goriška Brda: from Plešivo, Medana, Dobrovo and Šmartno to Hum and Števerjan, before heading into Gorizia, Italy. Cyclists will then re-enter Slovenia via the Rožna Dolina border crossing, arriving in Nova Gorica, and finish the stage with two city laps culminating at Trg Evrope. Discover the destinations of the “Slovenian” stage.

More detailed information about the “Slovenian” route on the Giro d'Italia website

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First Slovenian Giro winner back for more

Primož Roglič became the first Slovenian to win the Giro in 2023, conquering a dramatic mountain stage at Monte Lussari before lifting the Trophy of Infinity in Rome the next day, cheered on by thousands of fans from Slovenia and other countries.

The very next year, Tadej Pogačar – widely regarded as the world’s best cyclist – delivered a phenomenal performance over three weeks to become the second Slovenian winner of the Giro in 2024.

Two exceptional cyclists. Two inspiring ambassadors of Slovenian tourism: Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar.

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Will a Slovenian win the Giro for a third consecutive year?

In Nova Gorica and Gorizia – the European Capital of Culture – fans are excited to welcome three Slovenian riders competing in this year’s Giro. Alongside Primož Roglič will be Jan Tratnik, both riding for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, and Matevž Govekar for Bahrain Victorious.

Cycling experts and commentators are once again placing Roglič among the top favourites. With five overall Grand Tour wins, ten victories in major week-long races, and an Olympic gold medal, he remains in incredible form heading into 2025. Fans are already counting down the days to the pink cycling spectacle – and especially to Stage 14 on 24 May, when the world’s cycling elite will ride once again on Slovenian roads.

 

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 cycling is widespread in Slovenia. Many routes traverse diverse terrains in pristine natural surroundings, allowing you to enjoy a different experience each time.

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Long-distance cycling

Gaze into the distance and set off on scenic routes. Slovenia's long-distance trails wind through varied landscapes across different regions – along the Drava River, the coast, the Alps and the Mura River.

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Mountain biking experiences

Rugged trails and single tracks through rocky terrain, meadows and forests are a magnet for mountain bikers. Let their appeal draw you in too!

More on: Mountain biking experiences

Bike parks

Take on the twists and turns of parks filled with adrenaline and new experiences. Find out just how well you've mastered your bike. Beginners and professionals alike will enjoy testing themselves on the tracks of Slovenia's many bike parks.

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Cycling among vineyards

Explore Slovenia's wine-growing regions by bike. Cycling among vineyards and along wine routes is a unique experience, made even better with tastings of local wines and delicacies.

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The most beautiful cycling routes

Don't forget your bike when visiting Slovenia. Numerous routes cater to all tastes, offering unforgettable cycling experiences. Discover some of the most scenic trails.

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Family cycling

Take your children on a journey through landscapes they've never seen before. Cycle along forest paths or well-maintained cycling trails. For an active and healthy holiday, choose between mountain or seaside surroundings, the Pannonian plains or rolling hills.

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Explore green destinations with e-bikes

Not a fan of long-distance or uphill cycling? Choose an e-bike and ride to some of the most breathtaking views of green Slovenia.

More on: Explore green destinations with e-bikes

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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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.

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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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