Highlights of the L'Etape Slovenia 2026 Cycling Festival
The 5th edition of Merkur zavarovalnica L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France delighted cycling enthusiasts and gave them the chance to experience the spirit of the Tour de France.
The first of five scheduled events was the 2nd edition of the Merkur zvaraovalnica Business Stage, a team race, followed just five minutes later by the ISO Ride group ride on the same 34 km course. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall disrupted the programme, resulting in the cancellation of the Family Ride, while the Future Heroes children's races and Alya's live concert were postponed to Sunday. In the evening, participants still enjoyed the exciting K0.0lesari na polno! challenge, a hill climb on Jelenov Klanc.
Opening of the Cycling Festival
The festival officially opened at 12:30 p.m. Throughout both days, more than 30 exhibitors showcased their products and services, attracting visitors to their stands with a variety of activities and experiences.
The atmosphere was kept lively by DJ Dean on the Mic and DJ Time, while visitors had to wait until Sunday for the musical highlight of the weekend, a live performance by the popular Slovenian singer Alya. The entire festival took place in the company of ambassador Matej Mohorič and the ever-present Didi, the official mascot of the Tour de France.
Merkur zavarovalnica Corporate Stage as a Cycling Team-Building Event
The Corporate Stage was designed to promote networking, socialising and relationship-building among employees, colleagues and business partners, while encouraging an active lifestyle and offering an opportunity for informal interaction.
The second edition attracted 54 teams in the pairs race and 110 cyclists in the ISO Ride group challenge.
The winners of the team race were:
- Women's pair: Pasar Petra in Čepak Lina, Santini Squadra Corse (56:12.1)
- Mixed pair: Vindišar Klara in Veber Matic, Grašcateam 4 (51:07.1)
- Men's pair: Frelih Rok in Draksler Andrej, Gračcateam 8, (50:50.8)
This year's special award for the largest participation in the Business Stage was presented to Grašca team.
>>> Results of the Merkur zavarovalnica Business Stage – Team Race
Boutique Challenge K0.0lesari na polno! – Jelenov Klanc Hill Climb
The third edition of the spectacular K0.0lesari na polno! challenge introduced several upgrades this year, including the Hot Seat and men's semi-final heats. Unfortunately, due to weather-related programme adjustments, the semi-finals could not be held. As tradition dictates, one hundred cyclists first tackled the 500-metre uphill course individually in a time trial format, starting at 30-second intervals. Festival ambassador Matej Mohorič took to the course as the final rider.
The overall winners were decided in the Super Final, where the top five female and top five male riders based on qualifying times competed head-to-head.
This year's Queen of the Climb was Eva Zaletel, while Kevin Berginc claimed the title of King of the Climb.
The challenge was once again made possible by our partner Union 0.0 Radler Isotonic.
>>> Results of K0.0lesari na polno! 2026
