Highlights of the L'Etape Slovenia 2025 Cycling Festival
The fourth edition of L'Etape Slovenia impressed numerous cycling enthusiasts on the first day and allowed them to experience the prestige of the Tour de France.
The varied Saturday events offered numerous cycling events in the spirit of the Tour de France, from the youngest, who competed on pushchairs, to elementary school children to family cycling, the 2nd edition of the K0.0lesari na polno! challenge, and the premiere of the Merkur zavarovalnica business stage, which took place in two formats: competitive for teams of two and non-competitive as a group ride. All of the events took place on roads closed to other traffic, creating the most "real" atmosphere of a big race.
Cycling team building
The business stage was designed with the desire to connect, socialize and weave bonds between employees, colleagues, business partners, while also encouraging an active way of spending free time and providing an opportunity for informality.54 teams participated in the first edition and 80 in the group ride. A special award for the most numerous participants was received by DSU within companies and the municipality of Kranj.
>> Results of the business team ride
Children's cycling Future heroes
The immense joy of the smiling faces of children who overcame the route in an 800 m circle in three age groups is the true added value of the festival. This year, as many as 230 cyclists tasted a race in the spirit of the Tour de France, but without time measurement, received a commemorative medal and hung out with ambassador Matej Mohorič. This year, free registration was also made possible by Gorenjska banka.
Nina Pušlar's concert
Around 30 exhibitors provided a rich program at the exhibition area in the village of L'Etape Slovenia on Slovenski trg, with numerous animations, benefits and activities. Among them, visitors to the stand of the French Institute under the auspices of the French Embassy in Slovenia had the opportunity to learn about French culture and learn a few words. The one and only Nina Pušlar impressed everyone with her half-hour performance.
Family riding connects again
Nearly 600 cyclists set off on the family route: parents and children, some still in seats on their parents' bikes, while the majority enjoyed cycling independently on the 13 km long route accompanied by vehicles and on closed roads. Thanks to Gorenjska banka, the strategic partner of the festival, for free registration this year as well.
Thank you to all the parents who encourage their children to have an active lifestyle and spread the enthusiasm for cycling.
Saturday's highlight: K0.0lesari na polno!
The 2nd edition of the attractive challenge K0.0lesari na polno!!l (cycle at full pace), when 100 cyclists overcame the 500 m climb of Jelenov klanec in 30-second intervals and tried to achieve the best possible time and beat Matej Mohorič's time, also served up an attractive superfinal. The queen of Jelenov klanec became Tina Klinar and Domen Bivic, the king. The challenge was once again made possible this year by our partner Union 0.0 Radler Isotonic.
>>> Results of the challenge K0.0lesari at full throttle!
If Saturday was marked by the gathering of all generations who like to spend their free time cycling, tomorrow the roads of Gorenjska will be taken over by recreational road cyclists. GOOD LUCK!
Sunday's Ride 80 km and Race, 130 km
More than 1,400 amateur cyclists from 30 countries started simultaneously at 9 am for the shorter – 80 km and the longer, 130 km challenge.
The absolute fastest cyclists and winners of the yellow jersey at the 130 km distance were Slovenians Laura Šimenc Kramar with a time of 3:23:37.5 and Matic Grošelj, with a time of 3:13:59.3. At the 80 km distance, Slovenians Lena Repinc with a time of 1:56:44.7 and Patrik Mikac with a time of 1:49:23.9.
>> Results are available here
Numerous fans provided a great atmosphere
The authentic atmosphere of the big race was provided by numerous spectators and fans along the course and at the venue on Slovenski trg.
>> Photo gallery from the L'Etape Slovenia event
SPORTOGRAF: Personal photos of the participants of Ride and Race
Once again, this year, personal photos of the participants, taken by top sports photographers in the Sportograf campaign, are available for purchase. You can find your photos by entering your start number.
>> SPORTOGRAF photos of the participants of the Sunday race
