Registrations Now Open for the Future Heroes Kids Races 2026
Gorenjska banka Provides Free Entry to Children’s Cycling Races at L’Etape Slovenia for the Fifth Year
Registrations are now open for the children’s cycling races Bodoči junaki (Future Heroes), which will take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026. Free entry has once again been made possible—now for the fifth year in a row—by Gorenjska banka, a strategic partner of the two-day cycling festival Merkur zavarovalnica L’Etape Slovenia by Tour de France. These non-competitive races give young cycling heroes the chance to experience the excitement of a big race in a relaxed atmosphere, cheered on by parents, friends, and all event visitors.
Free entry supported by Gorenjska banka
The Future Heroes (Bodoči junaki) cycling races for toddlers and children up to 12 years of age take place at the main event venue at Slovenski trg, on an 800-metre loop. Three age categories are available, each with a different course length. All races are non-timed and non-competitive, and every participant receives a commemorative medal.
Age categories and course distances
The races are divided into three age groups, with starts taking place at 10-minute intervals:
- Group 1, children A, under 4 years, 1 lap, balance bike or bicycle. Total distance: 800 m. (Parents may run alongside their child, but must not obstruct other young riders.)
- Group 2, children B, 4–8 years, 2 laps, bicycle. Total distance: 1.6 km.
- Group 3, children C, 9–12 years, 3 laps, bicycle. Total distance: 2.4 km.
Pre-registration is mandatory and the race number must be collected in advance.
Key information and race procedure
A helmet and a technically sound bicycle are mandatory, for which the parent or guardian is responsible. The youngest participants may ride balance bikes (Group 1) or bikes with training wheels. Older children participate on standard bicycles. For safety reasons, the number of participants is limited, and the organiser reserves the right to close registrations at any time if safety capacity is reached.
Important information
- Only pre-registered participants with a race number are allowed to take part.
- Race numbers can be collected on the day of the event, 5 September 2026, in the lobby of the Municipality of Kranj, from 10:00 to 14:00. If the number is not collected on time (at least one hour before the start), it will be released and may be assigned to a participant on the waiting list.
- Starts are organised by age category. All participants within a group start simultaneously, with 10-minute intervals between groups:
- 15:10 start of Group 1, children A (under 4 years)
- 15:20 start of Group 2, children B (4–8 years)
- 15:30 start of Group 3, children C (9–12 years)
- Each participant who successfully crosses the finish line receives a commemorative medal. BRAVO!!!
Parents, thank you for encouraging an active lifestyle.
>>> Free registration for Bodoči junaki races
Terms of participation
Participants in the cycling events organized as part of Merkur zavarovalnica L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France accept and agree to the terms of participation.
>>> Terms of participation at L'Etape Slovenia cycling events
