Cycling Academy with Matej Mohorič

Why the Cycling Academy with Matej Mohorič?

Because we believe that achieving the right speed is only possible with good technique, clear rules, and respect for traffic regulations. On the road, we are never alone, even if a race segment takes place on roads closed to other traffic. Situations vary: beside us are fellow cyclists, fans, and other road users. The academy brings together practical tips and verified skills first-hand. Together with the experience of our ambassador Matej Mohorič, our promoters, and fellow participants in L’Etape Slovenia, we will be creating content for you.

The academy will focus on strengthening safety culture. Our shared slogan is: Respectful. Sporty. Safe.

What content can you expect?

Within the L’Etape Slovenia Cycling Academy with Matej Mohorič, we will cover four pillars that determine a good experience and a safe finish:

1. Safety: anticipating and recognizing risky situations, correct reactions, responsible behavior on closed and open roads.
2. Cycling skills: group riding technique and drafting, cornering lines, descents and braking, avoiding obstacles.
3. Proper technique: body position on the bike, handling brakes and gears, pacing on climbs, and efficient riding on flats.
4. Behavior in traffic and group dynamics: clear hand signals, verbal warnings, collegiality, respect for pedestrians and spectators, and group dynamics that promote safety and enjoyment.

How will it work?

Each topic will be presented in various ways: as an online written piece with detailed explanations, broader context, and checklists, as well as short videos providing quick visual demonstrations of techniques and situations on the road.
“Below you’re invited to read the first topic. It may come in handy already on your next cycling ride. Respectful. Sporty. Safe.

Join us. Be an ambassador of safety culture.

Together with our naming partner Merkur Insurance, we will be promoting safety culture through all communication channels. You are invited to follow us, share the content with friends and within your cycling team. We also welcome your active involvement—feel free to send us questions about technique or other safety-related dilemmas you would like us to address in the academy.

When cycling knowledge circulates among members of the caravan, the ride becomes faster, but above all safer, more reliable, and more comfortable.

Part 1: Safely on the Road — for Yourself, the Group, and Spectators

L’Etape Slovenia is a Tour like experience for recreational riders, but above all, it is an experience of responsible riding. In large groups and on closed roads, predictability, clear communication, and respect for rules—toward fellow cyclists and spectators—are crucial. Below are best practices for safe, fast, and collegial riding.

Bad Practice — and What to Do Instead

1) Jumping over obstacles

Bad practice: Swerving aside at the last moment to avoid a pothole or stone.

Why it’s dangerous: The rider behind you is in your draft and cannot see the obstacle; sudden changes in direction cause chain reactions. A pothole can surprise anyone in a large group, which is why warning others is essential. Jumping obstacles at high speed and in tight spaces can quickly lead to a mass crash.

Better solution:

• Point at the obstacle in time and warn loudly (e.g., “HOLE!”).
• Maintain a steady line; if you must avoid the obstacle, do so slowly and predictably.
• If necessary, gently lift the front wheel to get it over the pothole and shift your weight onto the rear wheel.

2) Riding on the sidewalk

Bad practice: Riding onto the sidewalk to overtake more easily or bypass congestion in narrow sections.

Why it’s wrong: Riding on the sidewalk is not allowed unless explicitly marked; it endangers you, fellow riders, and spectators. Re entering the road after using the sidewalk is also dangerous, as you may surprise others and cause a crash.

Better solution:

• Review the route beforehand and try to anticipate narrow points. Riding on the sidewalk is not allowed.
• Ride in harmony with the group and adjust your pace. Be patient, mature, and responsible. The route always offers opportunities for stronger riders to pull ahead.

3) Riding on the road edge

Bad practice: Hugging the very edge where sand, drains, and debris are found.
Better solution: Ride steadily on a safe line within the lane, where you have grip and visibility so the group can follow. Edges are for traps, not for your line. Use the edge only if you are truly confident in your abilities and always look far ahead to spot potential hazards.

4) Dangerous overtaking

Bad practice: Overtaking without visibility, in a corner, or without lateral clearance. Especially on descents, do not overtake others with minimal clearance and without warning. Never overtake on the right through a corner—you may frighten other riders and cause them to react unpredictably, putting both you and them at risk.

Better solution: Overtake only on visible sections and with sufficient lateral space.
Announce your move verbally (“passing on the left!”) and do not cut back into the line afterward.

5) Voice + Hands = Group Safety

• Warn loudly (“OBSTACLE AHEAD!”, “SLOW!”, “GRAVEL!”).
• Use hand signals for direction changes and obstacles, and ensure signals are passed down the group.
• At L’Etape Slovenia we ride predictably—this is the shortest path to safety and speed.

6) Collegiality — a Pace Lifted by the Group

L’Etape Slovenia offers a Tour like experience, but riding culture remains community based: moderate, respectful, responsible. Do not attack every hill at all costs; on descents, maximum focus is required. A moderate approach on descents won’t ruin your result. Caution is crucial especially because many participants are not used to descending in large groups, where space is limited and speeds higher.

All this may feel like a completely new sense of speed—thrilling but also potentially dangerous. Reaction time is extremely short, and only a few riders (usually former professionals) truly master this. Do not overestimate yourself. The race is not a training ground—it is your playground for experience and enjoyment.

7) Descents: No Supertuck, Preview the Road, and Use Your Head

The aero-tucked descent position (supertuck) is a prohibited method of riding. The UCI banned it in 2021, and we respect this rule in L’Etape Slovenia. The supertuck is considered dangerous due to reduced stability, limited braking, and impaired steering. In a large and diverse group, the risk is extremely high; using it results in disqualification.

Our recommendation:

• Preview descents: If possible, ride them during training; otherwise, use our guides and interactive maps of dangerous sections.
• Line and braking rules: Choose a clean line, brake before the corner, do not aggressively change line in the corner, and never overtake without full visibility.

8) Your Daily Form — Listen to Your Body

On race day, your condition matters most: use a good day responsibly; adjust your pace on an average day. If you’re having a bad day, lower your ambitions and complete the route safely, without risking your health. This is not giving up—it is maturity and responsibility. Be a cyclist who knows how to listen to their body.

Mini Tip from Matej Mohorič

First reliability, then everything else. When I ride in a group, I want everyone to know exactly what I’m going to do: I say it in time, show it with my hand, and hold a clean line. No sudden moves. When you’re reliable, we all go faster and safer.”— Matej Mohorič.

Quick Safety Checklist

1. No jumping over obstacles.
2. Do not ride on the sidewalk.
3. Avoid riding on the road edge.
4. The supertuck position is prohibited.
5. Use signals and verbal warnings for every obstacle and pace change.
6. Preview descents (training or interactive maps and our content).
7. Moderate group riding: a pace that builds safety and good results.
8. Respect your daily form and listen to your body.

Respectful. Sporty. Safe. Together we strengthen tolerance, sportsmanship, and mutual respect. [>>>Further reading]