Why is Slovenia at the centre of attention at this year’s Tour de France?

In recent years, Slovenia has become a true cycling superpower. Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar racked up eleven overall victories in the most prestigious three-week Grand Tour races – the Giro, Tour, and La Vuelta. Learn about Slovenia, the land of cycling aces!

Slovenia – a little cycling miracle in the middle of Europe

In recent years, Slovenia has been at the forefront of the Tour de France. In 2020, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar staged an incredible battle for the yellow jersey. Still a young rider at the time, Pogačar has since won Tour de France five times and finished second overall twice. Both have claimed victory at the Giro d’Italia, while Roglič has also won Vuelta four times. With these and a number of other exceptional achievements at the Olympic Games, world championships and classic cycle races, the country in the heart of Europe, where cycling is one of the most popular leisure activities, ended up in the limelight of all the major cycling media, acclaimed by teeming masses of fans from all over the world.

The 2026 Tour de France in numbers

Take a look at some fascinating facts about this year's Tour de France.

Bicycle icon with a marked route and a flag.

Number of stages

Total distance

3.333 km

Longest stage

205 km (Dole > Belfort)

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Total elevation gain

54,450 m across 21 stages

An icon of three people on a podium, with the person in the middle raising their arms in victory.

Number of riders

184 cyclists from 23 teams

Highest point reached

2.642 m (Col du Galibier)

Get to know the Slovenian cycling champion and ambassador of Slovenian tourism

Tadej Pogačar has had a stellar rise to the world's cycling elite. Having won the Tour de France five times overall, come second twice, and won the World Championship twice, as well as being the current European Champion and the current world number one in the UCI standings with a record points tally, not to mention winning the 2024 Giro d'Italia and taking home a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he is once again among the leading favourites this year.

Primož Roglič has won practically everything there is to win. Except the yellow jersey. Five-time overall winner of three-week races, Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo and the first to carry the name of Slovenia to the podium of the biggest cycling races.

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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.

From Slovenia, with love.

Which places in Slovenia are closest to Tadej Pogačar’s heart? Step into a carefully curated collection of locations personally selected by Tadej Pogačar. These are not just picturesque spots – they are the places where his cycling fairytale began, where love and inspiration live and where he returns to reconnect with what matters most.

Discover the places that have shaped the legends

Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič in Jan Tratnik in colorful jerseys ride closely together in a race, showing camaraderie.

Slovenians in the Tour de France

The Tour de France is the world's most prestigious three-week cycling race. It was first held in 1903, with the French rider Maurice Garin crowned as the inaugural winner.

Slovenia's first stage win at the Tour came in 2017, courtesy of the then-cycling "rookie" Primož Roglič. 2020 was a breakthrough year for Slovenia, with two riders in contention for the title. Roglič was on the verge of an overall victory, but it was snatched away at the last moment by another "wonder boy" of Slovenian cycling, Tadej Pogačar. Since then, Pogačar has secured four more titles and two runner-up finishes.

Slovenia's cycling success story has also been enriched in recent years by excellent support riders such as Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič, Jan Tratnik, and others.

The yellow jersey, which at the Tour de France signifies overall victory.

Total Tour victories

5 (Tadej Pogačar)

Total stage wins

Slovenian Tour stage winners

Tadej Pogačar (26), Primož Roglič (3), Matej Mohorič (3)

L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France – a tradition in Slovenia

Le Étape Slovenia by Tour de France is an official event of the Tour de France that represents a personal sporting challenge and a tourist adventure in green Slovenia.

This 2-day cycling festival is intended for amateur cyclists who want to feel at least a part of the competitive adrenaline that professionals experience during the Tour de France, with all the conditions enjoyed by professionals and top-level support from mechanics. The event itself offers the opportunity to enjoy safe and pleasant cycling without worries about traffic and is an excellent opportunity for all those who would like to actively feel green Slovenia.

This year’s L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France will once again be hosted by Kranj, a city that has produced some top-level cycling names, such as Matej Mohorič, Tadej Valjavec and Franc Hvasti. So, what do you say, will you join the event?

Save the date: 5–6 September 2026. We look forward to seeing you in Kranj!

Get ready to catch the Tour fever in Slovenia

10 reasons why Slovenia is an excellent destination for cycling

Slovenia is exceptionally diverse and an excellent venue for countless outdoor activities. It is almost Europe in your pocket. The ratio between urban areas and countryside is almost 50-50, which means that the natural environment is right on the doorstep for many people. Combined with a pleasant climate, it offers some of the most beautiful cycling trails in the world, attracting many cyclists throughout the whole year. Slovenia is certainly a perfect destination for cycling.

Slovenia – A top destination for cyclists

A paradise destination for cyclists

It is not unusual in Slovenia to find yourself in a dilemma over whether to count kilometres on a racing bike or descend down forest trails with a mountain bike. Whichever you choose, there are interesting and diverse trails that will take you through nature and picturesque locations.

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

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.

Adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking

Do you know the feeling when you steer away from the hustle and bustle of towns to the tranquillity of nature, when each breath you take is as fresh as can be despite the effort, when you have goosebumps as you watch the world below, when adrenaline and happiness hormones are released as you overcome natural obstacles and experience the beauty of nature? Let the feeling consume you as you head out on the most beautiful mounting bike tours, trails and singletracks in Slovenia.

With e-bikes easily around the green Slovenia

Slovenia is a dynamic land which is worth touring by bicycle. If, until recently, steep slopes were “reserved” for fitter cyclists, these have become more accessible with e-bikes. You can thus explore the most beautiful corners of Slovenia in a more comfortable and active way, which is also one of the greener methods of mobility.

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.

What is the secret of Slovenian sporting achievements?

A love of sport is written in our DNA. The diverse and picturesque landscape inspires us to actively spend our free time outdoors. We have a relatively well-developed sports infrastructure. Although the majority of activities are not free of charge, they are frequently subsidised by local communities. Work in many local sport clubs is performed on a voluntary basis. Add Slovenians being diligent people who want to prove themselves to the mix and there is a part of the recipe for the top achievements of Slovenian athletes. Discover more about active experiences in Slovenia and its current sport heroes.

Fascinating facts about sport in Slovenia

Pogačar's five favourite cycling experiences in Slovenia

Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists of all kinds. Slovenian world-class cyclist Tadej Pogačar recommends five cycling experiences in Slovenia that are well worth a try.

Take a look at Pogačar's personal picks

Sounds like the perfect cycling getaway!

Before setting off across Slovenia's picturesque landscape in the footsteps of cycling star Tadej Pogačar, experience the charm of cycling through an audio cycling journey.

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Tips for top cycling holidays in Slovenia

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!

From 92,00 €

Ride into the heart of the Pohorje forests, where a combination of adrenaline-pumping descents in our Bike Park and endless exploration of the most beautiful...

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Cycling package at Rogla

: Active holidays

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 2

Location:: Rogla

Provider:: Unitur d.o.o.

Star rating:: (4)

From 215,00 €

Enjoy a picnic under the tree canopies and discover the romantic vibe of Visoko, where history and nature intertwine into an unforgettable experience...

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Tennis and picnic in the embrace of nature – for couples

: Active holidays

Persons:: 2

Nights:: 1

Location:: Gorenja vas

Provider:: Zavod Poljanska dolina

Star rating:: (4)

From 180,00 €

A cycling adventure through the Poljane Valley, leading past the mysterious fortifications of the Rupnik Line to panoramic views and local culinary stops.

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From bunkers to unforgettable views

: Active holidays

Persons:: 2

Nights:: 1

Location:: Gorenja vas

Provider:: Zavod Poljanska dolina

Star rating:: (4)

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Cycling map of Slovenia

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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Accommodation tailored to cyclists

When you get tired of covering kilometres on your bicycle, you can find a pleasant resting haven in specialised accommodation facilities for cyclists scattered all over Slovenia.

Specialized accommodations for cyclists

Logo Slovenia Outdoor Standards – Bike Hotel.

Ravbar Apartments and Rooms

4.7 129 Google reviews

Camp Menina

4.6 1033 Google reviews

Camp Šmica

4.6 316 Google reviews

Tourist farm Lenar

4.9 125 Google reviews

Šeruga Homestead

4.9 277 Google reviews

Apartments Ob Krki

5 22 Google reviews

Hostel Pod Voglom

4.2 859 Google reviews

Triangel Boutique Hotel

4.8 736 Google reviews

Camp David

4.9 536 Google reviews

Hostel Velenje

4.4 90 Google reviews

Camp Siber

4.3 795 Google reviews

Terme Banovci

4.3 3463 Google reviews

Discover Slovenia by bike

Take a ride along the green countryside that will inspire you with its diversity. The distances between individual regions are short, so you can find yourself in the Alpine world, on the sea coast or among thermal springs all within one day. You will never run out of power, as you will be able to treat yourself to Slovenian specialties along the way.

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Biking

Explore Slovenia by bike. The dynamic landscapes of Slovenia, with their countless natural beauties, are ideal for a biking holiday.

Ten reasons to go cycling in Slovenia

Discover why it is worth choosing Slovenia for your cycling holiday.

Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

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.

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Unique accommodation in Slovenia

Spend your dream holiday in world-class comfort and in authentic touch with nature.

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Spas and health resorts

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

Stories from Slovenia

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Why is Slovenia at the centre of attention at this year’s Tour de France?