Winter Elite Athletes at L’Étape Slovenia
What connects Petra Majdič, Robert Kranjec, Jure Košir, Matejka Mohorič, Jakov Fak, and Lena Repinc beyond their passion for snow?
In addition to their love of snow and winter, we had the honor of hosting all of them at the 4th edition of the two-day Merkur zavarovalnica L’Étape Slovenia by Tour de France festival 2025 in Kranj. The first four — Petra Majdič, Robert Kranjec, Matejka Nohorič and Jure Košir — are “retired” elite athletes whom we once passionately supported in front of our TV screens. In the coming days, however, we will once again be keeping our fingers crossed and cheering loudly for the participants of the current Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina: biathletes Jakov Fak and Lena Repinc.
Biathlon requires exceptional physical fitness and focus
Biathlon is one of the most physically demanding winter sports, as it combines explosive power, endurance, and extraordinary mental focus, which athletes need for precise shooting after intense skiing laps.
Its roots lie in the tradition of ski hunters who had to move quickly, quietly, and efficiently across snowy landscapes — a skill that today is reflected in elite athletic performances at international competitions.
Summer training is key to peak performance, which is why biathletes maintain their fitness during the summer through cycling as well therefore the participation of Lena Repinc and Matejka Mohoric at L’Etape Slovenia was no coincidence. Bound by sporting spirit and camaraderie, they understand that without team spirit, real achievements are impossible — a belief strongly upheld by Jakov Fak.
Cross-country skiing – the royal discipline of endurance sports
Cross-country skiing, one of the oldest forms of movement across snowy terrain, evolved from a basic means of survival into an extremely demanding endurance sport. It requires a perfect combination of strength, efficient use of all muscle groups, explosiveness, technical precision, and exceptional mental resilience.
Petra Majdič is undoubtedly a symbol of this sport. With her epic bronze Olympic medal at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, she etched her name into the hearts of sports fans and has inspired generations ever since. Her heroic achievement came despite a severe accident — a hard fall during warm-up that nearly ended her Olympic Games before they even began. Through determination, dedication, and relentless perseverance, she surpassed all expectations.
At L’Étape Slovenia, we also captured her alongside her “Nordic” colleague — former elite ski jumper and Olympian Robert Kranjec, now an outstanding recreational cyclist who often builds his winter fitness on cross-country ski tracks. Robert Kranjec remains a symbol of an athlete who, through dedication, elegance in the air, humility, and exceptional talent, left an indelible mark on the history of Slovenian ski jumping.
Alpine skiing, Jure Košir, and the Rio Mare team at L’Étape Slovenia
ure Košir is a name that became synonymous with boldness, speed, and unbridled competitiveness in alpine skiing during the 1990s. With his charisma, he became a recognizable face of Slovenian sport and an inspiration to generations of young skiers. At the 4th edition of the L’Etape Slovenia he was a Rio mare cycling team leader.
Alpine skiing is not only an elite competitive sport but also one of the most beautiful forms of recreation — movement in fresh mountain air, among snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views that refresh both body and mind. It was in this environment that Košir masterfully combined technical excellence, courage, and a sense for speed, leading him to Olympic podiums and numerous World Cup successes.
May their stories be an inspiration and a source of ideas on how to safely incorporate their sports disciplines into your own range of active leisure activities.
