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 have together won 7 first places at the most prestigious 3-week races of the Grand Tour series, i.e. Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España. 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 three 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. This year’s 112th Tour de France promises a cycling spectacle focusing on the performances of the Slovenian aces.

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. He’s a three-time winner of the Tour de France and a two-time runner-up. Pogačar ranks first in the UCI World Rankings with a record number of points. He won the Giro d'Italia 2024 and a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and is considered one of this year’s favourites to win the Tour de France.

Primož Roglič has won practically everything there is to win. Except the yellow jersey. Roglič is a Slovenian record-holder when it comes to the number of victories in 3-week races. He won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is the first Slovenian to have stood on the winning podiums of major cycle 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.

Click to discover the places that have shaped the legends

Slovenians in the Tour de France

The Tour de France is the largest and most prestigious three-week road cycling race in the world. It was first organised in 1903, with French Maurice Garin becoming the first winner. The first stage win for Slovenia at the Tour de France was scored in 2017 by Primož Roglič, who was still a cycling rookie at the time. A turning point for Slovenia was 2020, when the country had two of its riders in play for the overall victory. At the time, Roglič was very close to the overall victory, but was beaten to it by another wunderkind of Slovenian cycling – Tadej Pogačar. The latter set a new milestone for Slovenian cycling with his second consecutive overall victory in the race in 2021.

In 2022 and 2023, Pogačar was a Tour runner-up. After two years, Pogačar once again rose to the pinnacle of the Tour de France, conquering cycling’s grandest stage and claiming the yellow jersey for the third time. Slovenia’s remarkable cycling fairytale continues to unfold, powered not only by his triumphs but also by the outstanding performances of fellow riders like Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič, Jan Tratnik and many more.

Number of stages

Total length

3,338.8 km

Longest stage

209.1 km (Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-Sur-Mer)

tour de france_slovenski kolesarji

Who will be the first Slovenian to cross the line as a stage winner in this year’s Tour?

The heat of summer is perfect for following the Tour de France in good company and cheering on Slovenia’s cyclists. But one question is on everyone’s mind: who will be the first to claim a stage victory in Slovenian colours?

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?

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Top athletes come with top fans

When Slovenian athletes achieve top results, the small green land in the heart of Europe erupts with fan euphoria. Slovenia breathes as one and to experience this fan fever is something that you are sure to remember. This is also true when bicycle pedals are being pushed by top Slovenian cyclists headlined by Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič. When the chips are down, everything stops for a moment. Get to know the warm hearts of Slovenian fans and surrender yourself to the supporter euphoria.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 406,00 €

If you want to experience Slovenia by bike, then Ribno Alpine Resort is the right place, where they know how to take care of you and your bicycles. You...

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Cycling package with e-bike rental

: Active holidays

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 3

Location:: Bled

Provider:: EPIDOS d.o.o.

Star rating:: (4)

From 132,00 €

Treat yourself to an active and relaxing holiday at the Ribno Alpine Hotel, the only zero waste hotel in Slovenia. Its beautiful green surroundings offer...

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Active relaxation

: Active holidays

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 2

Location:: Bled

Provider:: EPIDOS d.o.o.

Star rating:: (4)

From 172,00 €

Enjoy unspoiled nature and a range of activities to make your holiday even more memorable. Discover the rich flora and fauna of Pohorje, take part in...

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Green holidays at Rogla

: Active holidays

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 2

Location:: Zreče

Provider:: Unitur d.o.o.

Star rating:: (3)

From 219,00 €

Treat yourself to a relaxing spring escape for two. Enjoy the peace of the mountains, the comfort of your accommodation and activities that bring you...

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Summer Getaway in the Heart of Nature

: Active holidays

Persons:: 2

Nights:: 2

Location:: Mislinja

Provider:: VABO d.o.o.

Star rating:: (4)

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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

Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

Explore the diversity of the Slovenian landscape along the long distance trails that connect various parts of the country. These take you from the mountains to the seacoast, across hills and plains, and past Slovenia’s natural and cultural attractions. Most long distance trails are part of an international network of trails that connect several European countries. The longest trail that runs across Slovenian territory, as well as the oldest European long distance trail, is the Slovenian Alpine Trail.

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.

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 in 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.

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Youth Hostel Velenje

1 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.8

Hostel Bearlog

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.7

Hotel Kompas Bled

604 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Terme Snovik

217 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Šenkova domačija

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.8

Hotel Rogla

40 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.9

Kamp Danica

80 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.4

Penzion Kobala

22 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.6

Hotel Radin

84 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hostel Pekarna Maribor

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Avtokamp Šmica

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Camping Bela krajina

16 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?

Slovenia – a little cycling miracle in the middle of Europe

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