The Tour of Slovenia international cycling race, organised by the Adria Mobil Cycling Club, has been the greatest and most popular cycling event in Slovenia for several years. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has classified the race in the UCI HC (Hors Class) category, which is the top competition rank in road cycling for the World Tour series. With its inclusion in the Eurosport TV programme and broadcast on RTV Slovenija, the race has acquired a lot of viewers. During the five years of cooperation with Eurosport, the race was watched by more than 46 million viewers!
In the international environment, the Tour of Slovenia has strengthened its visibility and reputation, having hosted numerous world-class cyclists and teams. During its history, the tour has developed into a unique sports project that connects the whole of Slovenia through its diverse route stages, attracting numerous spectators along the road and to TV screens and as such serves as an excellent promotion of Slovenia as a boutique tourist destination.
In 2023, the Tour of Slovenia celebrates its 30th anniversary. This year's race will be the 29th, however, as it was cancelled one year due to the epidemic. The cyclists will take to the Slovenian roads between 14 and 18 June.
The Tour of Slovenia is more than just a cycling race. It is also a journey across a green country, offering an opportunity to discover its beauty along the cycling route. Check out some highlights from last year’s race.
As in previous years , this year the race will be broadcast live on the Eurosport global TV network from 14 to 18 June 2023, so that millions of viewers of Eurosport 1 will be able to watch the race live and as videos of previous stages on a daily basis and follow the world’s top cyclists as they pedal through green Slovenia contending with climbs and descents as well as level terrain. At the same time, viewers can admire exceptional helicopter images of breathtaking scenery.
This year’s race had five stages, starting on Wednesday, 14 June, in Celje and finishing in the traditional way in Novo mesto on Sunday, 18 June. In five days, they will conquer more than 833 kilometres.
14 June 2023
This year, the Tour of Slovenia starts in Celje, the so-called Princely Town, on the Savinja River. The riders will begin by cycling past hop plantations as they head towards Žalec, a town which boasts the world's first beer fountain, before heading towards one of Slovenia's newest towns, Velenje, with its rich mining heritage. From here, the route will take them to Dobrna, Slovenia's oldest natural health resort, onwards to the thermal spa town of Zreče and past the historic towns of Slovenske Konjice and Šentjur. The route then passes through the upper Posotelje region to Rogaška Slatina, famous for its unique high magnesium content Donat Mg mineral water, as well as its remarkable crystal glass.
15 June 2023
The starting point for the stage 2 of this race with its thirty-year tradition will be at the heart of Slovenia's hop-growing industry. In addition to the well-known beer fountain, there is also the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry. The riders will once again pass by Celje, Šentjur and Rogaška Slatina, before the route heads northeast towards Slovenia's oldest city, Ptuj. This is home to the kurent, a distinctive carnival mask and a tradition that has found its place in UNESCO world heritage list. The stage 2 then passes through the picturesque vineyards of Haloze and Jeruzalem, going all the way to Ormož.
16 June 2023
Although the start of the third stage is located at the “entry point” of the Dolenjska region, the route will lead the riders towards the Notranjska region and the Karst landscape. First, they will skirt the slopes of the Ljubljana Marshes and then head towards Cerknica, site of the largest intermittent lake in Slovenia and, according to legend, the home of Uršula the Witch. Cyclists will then ride through the green Karst: past Pivka, where the Park of Military History is located, to Ilirska Bistrica, and then back to Postojna, a town that boasts the most visited tourist cave in Europe, Postojna Cave, and the largest cave castle, Predjama Castle.
17 June 2023
If the riders have not faced much in the way of ascents and descents so far in this 2023 race, Stage 4 will provide them with just that. They will have to negotiate over 3,300 metres of ascents and 3,400 metres of descents on the route between Ljubljana and Kobarid. They will be escorted on their way via the lively Slovenian capital, marked by Plečnik’s outstanding architectural heritage, which can also be found on UNESCO lists. From here, they will cycle to another historic UNESCO heritage town – Škofja Loka, the town of the Škofja Loka Passion Play and a vibrant handicraft industry. On through the romantic Poljane valley, the route will then lead them into the Idrija and Cerkno Hills, past Cerkno and along the Idrijca valley towards the town of Most na Soči. On the way to Kobarid, the riders will ascend to the Kolovrat mountain ridge, the biggest ascent on the route with an altitude difference of around 1,000 metres, and also cycle along the Emerald Beauty, the Soča River.
18 June 2023
To complete this year’s Tour of Slovenia, riders will head through the centre of Slovenia. It starts on the outskirts of Ljubljana, i.e. the Ljubljana Marshes, included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The starting point is Vrhnika, and from there the riders will head towards the green Slovenian capital. Moving towards the finish line in Novo mesto, the race route will pass through the picturesque wine-growing landscape of the Dolenjska region, the land of Cviček wine and vineyard cottages.
Take a look at video postcards from the start and finish spots in 2023. Discover their character and everyday buzz and why it is well worth visiting them even after the cyclists of the Tour of Slovenia have completed the course.
If you are not sure about how to spend your cycling break in Slovenia, let us give you glimpse into some of the current offering suited for cyclists. Choose and book your holiday today!
For a number of years now, the slogan of the Tour of Slovenia has been the "Fight for Green", which has a double significance: the cyclists race for the green jersey of the tour’s overall winner, while simultaneously Slovenia’s commitment and that of Slovenian tourism to protect the environment and towards sustainable development are also put at the forefront.
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
MoreSlovenia is a pioneer in the field of strategic sustainable tourism development on a national level. Over 280 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.
MoreThe mosaic of Slovenia’s green story is made up of individual pieces that form a model of responsible preservation of natural and cultural heritage and attitude towards the environment. The most sustainably aspiring destinations bear the platinum and the golden Slovenia Green label. Destinations with a silver or bronze label are on a good way to follow the green path.
MoreHotels and tourist farms provide it. Camps, glamping resorts and spas provide it, too. And it is also provided by a range of other accommodation options that not only offer comfortable beds and food, but think more broadly about their place in the environment. With all the responsibility to future generations. Choose accommodation with the Slovenia Green Accommodation label and contribute a piece to the mosaic of sustainability.
MoreExperience a unique biking adventure from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Take a ride along the world's first sustainable bike trail that connects destinations with a certificate of sustainability.
MoreCycling is very popular in Slovenia and the country is further boosting its recognisability with such events, showing that it is an excellent destination for cycling and active holidays. In recent years, the green country in the heart of Europe has established its place among the global cycling elite, especially due to the exceptional success of Slovenian cyclists headed by the extraordinary Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar. Numerous times, Slovenia has also proved itself as a successful host of large sports competitions, and the Tour of Slovenia is no exception.
There are many opportunities to explore this green country by bike. Choose between relaxing family cycling or adrenaline adventures, cycling amidst the green countryside or through charming towns – everyone can find something for themselves.
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Grab your cheering props and root for your favourites on the Tour of Slovenia while watching the live broadcast on Eurosport. Learn about the leading Slovenian aces and find the answer to the secret of Slovenian sporting success.
See useful information and safety guidelines.
Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.
Meet Tadej Pogačar, a young Slovenian cyclists, who has won Tour de France two times in a row.
Experience the active Slovenia and get to know its sporting heart.
Explore Slovenia by bike. The dynamic landscapes of Slovenia, with their countless natural beauties, are ideal for a biking holiday.
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.
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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