Slovenia – a little cycling miracle in the middle of Europe

Everybody vividly remembers the sensational double victory by Slovenian cyclists Tadej Pogačar (UEA Emirates) and Primož Roglič (Jumbo- Visma) at the 2020 Tour de France. This achievement has catapulted the green country in the heart of Europe, where cycling is one of the most popular activities, into a position as one of the global cycling superpowers. Pogačar proved that he is not a one hit wonder, but a world-class cyclist, at the 2021 Tour de France, when he again won the yellow jersey for the overall winner. With this achievement, he joined the company of twenty cyclists who have managed to win the prestigious French circuit more than once. Despite some bad luck, Pogačar placed second in one of the stages of the Tour de France last year. On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the race, which will take place between 1 and 23 July, he is once again one of the biggest favourites to win the French circuit.

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. With a double overall victory in the French circuit, he placed himself on a par with the top cycling names who managed the feat in the past. He has an Olympic bronze medal and is currently the leading cyclist in the rankings of the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Primož Roglič, currently the fifth best cyclist of the world, jumped on a bike following his ski jumping career and after only a few years won international fame in cycling. Among other things, he was the winner of one of the big three cycling races – the Vuelta a España and an Olympic medal in the time trial, and this year he was the winner of the Giro d'Italia.

Meet cyclist Tadej Pogačar

Meet Tadej Pogačar, a young Slovenian cyclists, who has won Tour de France two times in a row.

Meet cyclist Tadej Pogačar

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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.

Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

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Feel Slovenia the Podcast #8: Cycling in Slovenia with Tour de France Champion Tadej Pogačar

2023 Tour de France in brief

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.  Last year, Pogačar finished in 2nd place in the general classification at the Tour.

The “spring” of Slovenian cycling at the Tour was rounded off by Luka Mezgec, who twice finished second in stages of the Tour in 2020, and Matej Mohorič, the winner of two stages in 2021. What is awaiting cyclists in this year's race?

Number of stages
21
Total length
3,404 km
Longest stage
209 km (Vitoria-Gasteiz > San Sebastian)

tour de france_slovenski kolesarji

Slovenian favourites in the France circuit

Slovenia's highest bets are on the two-time winner of the Tour, Tadej Pogačar.  The competitors include other Slovenian cyclists, among whom the race for stage victories has been announced by a stage winner at this year's Tour of Slovenia, Matej Mohorič.

A "stage" of the Tour de France for the second time in Slovenia

Yes, you read that right! 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. It is intended for amateur cyclists who are tempted to feel at least a part of the competitive adrenaline that professionals experience at 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. The second Slovenian version of the race will be hosted by Kranj, the city that has given the world some top names in cycling, 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 989,00 €

“Soča, you are splendid, limpid daughter of the heights.” This is how the Slovenian poet Simon Gregorčič described the Slovenian River Soča, which impresses...

A 7–day cycling adventure in the Soča Valley

From 2.410,00 €

The Bike Slovenia Green cycling tours connect destinations that have been awarded the Slovenia Green certificate. Exceptional natural surroundings, small,...

Bike Slovenia Green: Alps to Adriatic Cycling Tour

From 376,00 €

Spend an active holiday in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Active free time for mountain lovers and cycling enthusiasts. The perfect combination with swimming...

Active package in Terme Snovik

From 1.070,00 €

The Juliana Bike Mountain Bike Loop is part of the Slovenian Mountain Bike Route. The marked mountain bike loop takes you along local roads, cycle paths,...

Juliana Bike Trail self-guided tour

From 1.450,00 €

8 self-guided days on a gravel bike cycling on the most beautiful gravel roads and trails of the Bohinj Valley. We consider gravel biking to be one of...

Cycling on the most beautiful gravel roads in Bohinj

From 2.040,00 €

TRANS SLOVENIA 01 is a mountain bike tour that connects three countries: Slovenia, Italy and Austria. In seven days, you will experience an extraordinary...

Trans Slovenia 01: Alps to Adriatic Mountain Bike Tour

From 1.004,00 €

Take a break from the everyday – let the adrenaline flow through your veins! Ideal for solo travellers, couples and families. Enjoy the natural beauty...

An active break

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.

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Top road cycling tours

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.

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Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

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. 

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Adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking

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.

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With e-bikes easily around the green 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.

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Most beautiful cycling routes

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.

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Do you want even more cycling experiences?

Cycling is a popular sporting activity, especially if beautiful natural scenery follows you along the way. This is also one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. No more excuses - grab your bicycle or rent one and embark on your own cycling adventure.

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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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Hotel Histrion

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Jasna Chalet Resort

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Camping Bela krajina

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Gostišče Jelkin hram

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Hotel Grof

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Camp Jezero Kočevsko

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Brunarica Hike & Bike

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Hotel Šport, Terme Krka

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Grand Hotel Primus - Sava Hotels & Resorts

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Kamp Koren Kobarid

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Hostel Pod Voglom

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Turistična kmetija Lenar

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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.

Biking

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

Biking

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Five cycling experiences in Slovenia picked by Tadej Pogačar

Cycling experiences in Slovenia that the two-time Tour de France winner swears by.

Five cycling experiences in Slovenia picked by Tadej Pogačar

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Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

Food and wine

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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.

Regions

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

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Unique accommodation in Slovenia

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

Unique accommodation in Slovenia

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Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Green story of Slovenia

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Spas and health resorts

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

Spas and health resorts

Spas and health resorts

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Stories from Slovenia

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