Registration Now Open for the Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride 2026
As part of the two-day L'Étape Slovenia cycling festival, the Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride — featuring the Team Race and the Group Ride — will take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
At the 5th edition of the Merkur zavarovalnica L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France, Saturday will once again be dedicated to a special challenge for companies and organizations: the exclusive Business Ride on a 34 km course, starting and finishing in Kranj. Participants can choose between two formats: a competitive Team Race with official timekeeping, or a relaxed Group Ride without timekeeping. Both formats are designed as a premium opportunity to strengthen team spirit and build meaningful connections through cycling — all in the spirit of the legendary Tour de France.
The Business Ride Strengthens Team Spirit
The Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride is open to associations, organizations, companies, and individuals who wish to experience the unique cycling atmosphere within the vibrant festival program of Merkur zavarovalnica L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France 2026. Its primary goal is to foster relationships, encourage networking, and promote social cycling — building friendly and professional connections among colleagues and business partners. Competition is secondary, and e-bikes are welcome. Any technically sound bicycle may be used.
One Course, Two Formats
To accommodate different ambitions, expectations, and levels of competitiveness, the Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride offers two formats:
- Business Ride – TEAM RACE (with timekeeping)
- Business Ride – GROUP RIDE (without timekeeping).
The Business Ride is ideal for those who are still considering Sunday’s Ride & Race and are not entirely sure whether a competitive format is right for them. It also serves as a perfect ‘prologue’ for Sunday participants — a preview ride on the roads of Gorenjska to experience the atmosphere a day in advance. It’s an opportunity for everyone to discover their cycling identity and feel the spirit of the Tour.
A Predominantly Flat 34 km Course
The start and finish — common to both formats, with a 5-minute staggered start — will be located near the central venue of L'Étape Village at Slovenski trg in Kranj.
- Distance: 34 km
- Profile: predominantly flat with several short climbs
- Elevation gain: 333 m
Both formats will take place on roads fully closed to traffic and will be supported by official escort vehicles.
>>> Business Ride route – Garmin Connect
Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride – Team Race ⏱️
Each team consists of two riders who must complete the course together. The final ranking is determined by the finishing time of the second rider in the pair.
Categories: Women, Mixed, Men.
This format is designed for riders who enjoy working together — sharing the lead, drafting, and maximizing team performance.
Entry fee: €59.99 per team. Includes race number, timing chip, and a commemorative cotton T-shirt.
>>> REGISTER to Team Race
Merkur zavarovalnica Business Ride – Group Ride ☕
This recreational format takes place in a group behind the official lead vehicle, which must not be overtaken. The pace is adjusted to the group to keep participants riding together. Time is not measured. The focus is on the cycling experience in true Tour de France style: riding on closed roads, enjoying the cheering atmosphere, and embracing team spirit — as all participants form one united group, supporting and motivating one another while strengthening relationships.
Entry fee: €19.99 per person and includes race number.
>>> REGISTER to Group Ride
The Business Ride as Part of the L'Étape Slovenia Experience
Both formats will be delivered in the style of the Tour de France. The organizer will ensure the highest safety standards, including road closures, route signage, marshals, police escort, technical support, and medical services.
Together with our naming partner Merkur zavarovalnica, we aim to use the Business Ride to strengthen bonds between colleagues, business partners, friends, and acquaintances — while promoting a shared passion for cycling.
Companies and Organizations – Become an Event Partner
Companies, organizations, and institutions that believe investing in employees yields the greatest return are invited to contact the L'Étape Slovenia team at info@letape.si.
The Business Ride is an excellent opportunity to build connections and strengthen relationships. Register multiple teams for the Team Race and/or additional employees for the Group Ride, and become ambassadors of cycling. We will be happy to listen to your needs and prepare a tailored proposal.
Cycling connects us, builds bonds between employees and business partners, and promotes a healthy mind in a healthy body.
>>> Registration for L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France is available via the portal PRIJAVIM.SE
Agreement to Terms and Conditions
By registering for any cycling event held as part of the Merkur zavarovalnica L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France, participants agree to the general terms and conditions of participation, the specific conditions applicable to the selected format, and the terms governing the Prijavim.se registration portal.
>>> Terms and Conditions of participating at L'Etape Slovenia cycling challanges
Exclusive offer: Official Jersey L'Etape Slovenia
When registering to Merkur zavarovalnica Business Team Race or Group Ride you may take advantage of this exclusive offer and order official cycling jersey by Ale for only € 29.99.
The offer is valid only until ‼️ June 30, 2026, and only if ordering when registering to one of these L'Etape Slovenia 2026 challenges:
- Merkur zavarovalnica Team Race (34 km)
- Merkur zavarovalnica Group Ride (34 km)
- TOSIDOS the Race (130-150 km)
- Ride (80 km).
>> More about Official L'Etape Slovenia jersey
