Cycling spectacle on Slovenia’s roads: The 2026 European Cycling Championship

Take part in the top sporting spectacle on Slovenia’s roads, where the best European cyclists – including cyclists from the Pro Tour world series – will compete for European titles. A great opportunity to discover and experience green Slovenia.

The biggest cycling event in Slovenia's history

The European Cycling Championship is the biggest event of its kind in the history of Slovenia and one of its biggest sporting events this year.

From 2 to 7 October, the best cyclists will take to Slovenia’s roads in their chase for the title of European champions in various age categories. Participants in the race will also include world-famous cycling stars Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič.

The road cycling spectacle offers an opportunity to get to know Slovenia better and the numerous opportunities to both cycling enthusiasts and other seekers of unforgettable experiences. Will you be there?

The European Cycling Championship in numbers

Ahead of the arrival of the European road cycling elite in Slovenia, take a look at some figures on participation and what to expect.

Number of participating countries

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Number of spectators

16.5 million /TV broadcasts: Eurosport, EBU)

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Escort team

800

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Escort team

500 persons

Map with highlighted region icon showing the number of participating municipalities along the route.

Number of participating municipalities on the route

Bicycle with trail and finish flag icon showing the number of race days.

Number of cycling races

Age categories

juniors, members up to U23, members

Medal with number one icon highlighting top cyclists.

The two major cycling stars in the Slovenian national team

Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič

European Championship to take place in the home country of the reigning European champion

The European Championships in Slovenia will host youth and member road races and time trials for more than 50 national teams over five days. The main hosts will be the Urban Municipality of Ljubljana and the Municipality of Šenčur. Races will also place in Medvode, Kranj, Škofja Loka, Vodice, Komenda, Mengeš, Domžale, Kamnik, Preddvor and Cerklje na Gorenjskem.

It is not often that a reigning European champion has the opportunity to defend his title on his home roads – and on the very roads where he first discovered his passion for cycling. The great interest of domestic and foreign sports and especially cycling enthusiasts, as well as domestic and foreign media will cheer for a repeat of Tadej Pogačar's success from 2025 against the exceptional backdrop of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. This would also make Pogačar the first to successfully defend the European champion's jersey.

The map shows the route of the cycling race around the Ljubljana area, with marked loops, direction of travel, start, finish, and refreshment zones.

The origins of the European Cycling Championship dates back to 2016 as one of the most recent cycling competitions that has been quickly gaining popularity and renown. Italy has the most victories in the men's competition so far, with four titles, and thanks to Pogačar, Slovenia is one of seven countries to have won the men's title. In the women’s competition, the Netherlands dominates with seven wins, followed by Italy with two.

Watch videoThe 2026 European Cycling Championship

Save the dates – here is the race schedule:

Road cyclists will compete for the European champion titles in the junior, member and under 23 categories. Check out the race schedule and where the start and finish of each race are.

Friday, 2 October 2026

Road Race Women U23 - Start: Šenčur (9:00). Finish: Šenčur
Road Race Men U23 - Start: Ljubljana (13:30). Finish: Šenčur

Saturday, 3 October 2026

Road Race Junior Men - Start: Šenčur (9:00). Finish: Šenčur
Road Race Women Elite - Start: Ljubljana (13:30). Finish: Šenčur

Sunday, 4 October 2026

Road Race Junior Women - Start: Šenčur (9:00). Finish: Šenčur
Road Race Men Elite - Start: Ljubljana (12:30). Finish: Šenčur

Monday, 5 October 2026

Official Training Time Trial

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Junior Team Time Trial Mixed Relay - Start: Šenčur (11:30). Finish: Šenčur
Junior Elite Team Time Trial Mixed Relay - Start: Šenčur (15:00). Finish: Šenčur

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Women Junior Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur (9:30). Finish: Šenčur
Men Junior Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur (10:45). Finish: Šenčur
Women U23 Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur (12:00). Finish: Šenčur
Men U23 Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur (13:00). Finish: Šenčur
Women Elite Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur (14:30). Finish: Šenčur
Men Elite Individual Time Trial - Start: Šenčur: (15:30). Finish: Šenčur

Slovenia’s national cycling team: a winning team spirit behind Olympic, world and European titles

In recent years, the Slovenian cycling team has become one of the most popular teams at the Olympic Games, World and European Championships, riding the wave of success of Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič. In the women’s national team, the spotlight will be on Urška Žigart, Slovenia’s most successful female cyclist and multiple national champion. Cycling enthusiasts will no doubt pay special attention to the races featuring promising young riders, hoping to witness the rise of a new Slovenian cycling star.

Primož Roglič became the Olympic champion in time trial at the Tokyo Olympics, while Tadej Pogačar is a two-time world road cycling champion and the current European road cycling champion. Together, the two Slovenian champions have won 10 overall victories in the most demanding, three-week races (Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, Spanish Vuelta).

Slovenia’s national cycling team’s winning team spirit has become the country’s trademark at major cycling races. Besides Pogačar, Matej Mohorič, Luka Mezgec, Domen Novak and Jan Tratnik have significantly contributed to Slovenia's successes and reputation so far.

Meet the cycling ambassadors of Slovenian tourism

Primož Roglič is the first Slovenian cyclist to win the famed Giro d’Italia. He was the first Slovenian cyclist to put on the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. He is the creator of the first and key chapters of the Slovenian cycling fairy tale that he shares with Tadej Pogačar.

Tadej Pogačar has been the world’s top cyclist according to UCI ranking since 28 September 2021. His victories have been increasing exponentially from one season to another, he has been called the best cyclist in history many times, but he himself prefers to point out that he just loves cycling. His exceptional sporting personality is an additional factor that ranks him among the world’s biggest names in sports. He has twice been a finalist for the Laureus world sports award, which has been highlighting the best individuals and teams since 2000.

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Tadej Pogačar – cycling genius and his homeland Slovenia

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

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.

Slovenia is a sporting country where cycling is one of the most popular sports

Slovenia is an exceptional cycling destination, offering year-round cycling experiences for everyone from lovers of coastal cycling routes and rolling trails through the fertile fields and vineyards of north-eastern Slovenia to riders seeking out the most demanding mountain passes. 365 days of endless cycling routes!

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Nature, diverse landscapes and a love of sports are the foundations on which today's best Slovenian athletes, including cyclists, were raised. Slovenia is a country of athletes and sports enthusiasts, so it is not surprising that the excitement over hosting the European Cycling Championships can be felt at every turn.

By organising the European Cycling Championship, Slovenia will pay tribute to its best cyclists who excel in the world’s biggest competitions throughout the year. The two stars of Slovenia’s cycling fairy tale, Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, will appear together, dressed in Slovenia’s green-and-blue national team jerseys. It is due to their success that Slovenia has become a cycling superpower, indispensable on the winners' podium, and the sounds of Zdravljica (A Toast) – Slovenia’s national anthem, are regularly heard during the announcement of winners.

Discover the cycling country Slovenia

Cycling experiences for everyone

If, while watching the top male and female cyclists at the European Championship in Slovenia, you feel tempted to try to turn the pedals yourself, here are some ideas for unforgettable cycling experiences.

Top road cycling tours

Road cycling is gaining in popularity among Slovenians on the wings of successes of Slovenian professional cyclists. We have our own "treats" for the most enthusiastic cyclists on racing bikes. Discover some of the most popular road cycling tours where top Slovenian cyclists have been making names for themselves.

Top road cycling tours

Ride for kilometres on long-distance bike trails

Some are part of international trails, other connect interesting places in Slovenia. Long-distance cycling routes in Slovenia lead you through the green country and reveal its diversity. With all the attractions along the way, the kilometres will fly by.

Most beautiful cycling routes

Bikers will also get more than their fair share of enjoyment in Slovenia while riding through the picturesque countryside. You can opt for family cycling on level terrain, while more enthusiastic bikers can try to conquer slopes which will reward their efforts with beautiful views.

Cycling among vineyards

Enjoy the charms of Slovenia’s wine-growing regions by bike. Take a ride among vineyards and wine cellars. Regain your strength by treating yourself to some delicious local cuisine.

Green routes for unforgettable cycling experiences

Cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. This is especially true if you ride along one of the themed cycling routes linking destinations and providers with the Slovenia Green label.

Slovenia – top sports destination

Slovenia is home to top athletes such as Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič. Its diverse landscape and well-maintained sports and supporting infrastructure makes it a popular destination for organising international sports competitions and the training of athletes. Discover the vibrant sporting spirit of the green land at the crossroads of the Alpine, Mediterranean and Pannonian worlds.

Experience the land of sport, Slovenia

Useful information for your visit to Slovenia

How to travel to Slovenia, where to stay and eat, what is particularly worth visiting while the cyclists are resting. Here is some useful information for visiting Slovenia.

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Getting to and around Slovenia

You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.

Facts about Slovenia

Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.

Border Formalities

Slovenia is in the Schengen Area, which means that, in general, there are no checks at the border crossings with Italy, Austria and Hungary. To enter Slovenia from Croatia, it is sufficient to have a passport or an identity document, if the visit does not last more than three months.

Where to stay

From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.

Where to eat

Home-made or cosmopolitan: choose your ambience and menu in Slovenia.

10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026

10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026.

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.

Green instructions for visiting Slovenia

Everything you need to know for a green and responsible visit to Slovenia.

Boutique. Green. Unique. Slovenia – well-worth exploring.

Enjoy active adventures amid picturesque nature. Discover Slovenia’s natural and cultural heritage through unique experiences and feel the luxury of living – in harmony with nature or in charming cities. Taste exquisite dishes from fresh local produce. In short, experience Slovenia your way. The best possible way.

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Slovenia Unique Experiences

Enter the world of original adventures.

Boutique accommodation in Slovenia

Experience boutique charm, refined comfort and authentic living in Slovenia.

Spend holidays in the embrace of nature

Create your own unforgettable holiday in nature by enjoying the pleasant environment of Slovenia’s camping and glamping sites.

Incredible Slovenia through unforgettable experiences

Experience Slovenia in the most authentic ways.

Boutique stories of Slovenian gastronomy

Inspiring stories that will change how you see Slovenian gastronomy.

Cities, places and spaces for people

The allure of Slovenian cities and towns lies in their ability to evoke a sense of humanity and freedom in visitors.

Stories from Slovenia

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Cycling spectacle on Slovenia’s roads: The 2026 European Cycling Championship

The biggest cycling event in Slovenia's history

The European Cycling Championship in numbers

European Championship to take place in the home country of the reigning European champion