Details of the 32nd Tour of Slovenia revealed

2026 Tour of Slovenia (June 17–21) combines familiar venues with new ones. The 800-kilometer route, featuring 11,000 meters of elevation gain, will present a real challenge for both domestic and international cyclists. As part of the event, the unique recreational challenge MyTour will also take place, taking cyclists to the legendary Vršič mountain pass. The »last stage« of the race will take place in July when young riders will compete for jerseys at the stage race I Feel Slovenia Kids Tour of Slovenia.

The largest cycling event in Slovenia and one of the country’s biggest sporting events returns to its traditional June date. Competitors and spectators can once again look forward to five interesting and diverse stages. Each offers its own characteristics and opportunities for different types of riders, and all pass through Slovenia’s scenic landscapes. With a total distance of 800 kilometers and 11,000 meters of elevation gain, this year’s race is statistically similar to last year’s, but experts consider it more demanding. Climbers will have more opportunities. If he participates, Jakob Omrzel(Bahrain Victorious) will be among the favorites for at least two jerseys. At today’s presentation, he said: “At first glance, the route is very good, but of course everything will depend on the competition. With the race scheduled before the Tour de France, many strong riders will be present. The overall victory and the green jersey will likely be decided in the last three stages. Personally, I especially like the stage with the climb to Vršič. But the race will not be decided till the finish in Novo mesto, it's going to be race till the finish line.«

Stages of the 32nd Tour of Slovenia:
Stage 1: Velenje – Rogaška Slatina (141.6 km)
Stage 2: Radlje ob Dravi – Ormož (176.8 km)
Stage 3: Maribor – Celje (137 km)
Stage 4: Kranj – Kranjska Gora (183.1 km)
Stage 5: Litija – Novo Mesto (162.1 km)

A total of 17 teams are registered for the race, including all three Slovenian continental teams – Cycling club Novo mesto, Factor Racing, and Pogi Team Gusto Ljubljana. Among the WorldTour teams, Bahrain Victorious and Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe will participate; Jan Tratnik and Florian Lipowitz are set to ride for the latter. The list of top-tier teams is expected to expand before the race begins. Ten strong ProTeams will also be seeking their opportunities, as riders from these teams are especially motivated in races like this.

During Saturday’s stage, recreational cyclists will also get their chance, competing on a shortened version of the queen stage. Unlike the professionals, they will cross the finish line at the top of the Vršič Pass. The MyTour race, 87 kilometers long with nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain, will be a true test for up to 500 Slovenian and international cyclists.

From July 3 to 7, the traditional youth race I Feel Slovenia Kids Tour of Slovenia will take place again, featuring four stages. The race has gained strong international recognition, and once again several hundred future cycling stars are expected to compete.

The Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, Maja Pak Olaj, MSc, said: “Today, the Tour of Slovenia is much more than a sporting event; it is one of the most important platforms for the global promotion of Slovenia as a green, active, and attractive tourist destination. In cooperation with Eurosport, now in its ninth year, we have developed the race into an outstanding international story with measurable effects. With 11 hours of live broadcast, 230 video advertisements, and millions of digital impressions, together with 45 Slovenian destinations we will once again place our country on the map of the most recognizable sports and active tourism destinations and cycling powerhouses.”

Mojca Novak, President of the Cycling Club Novo Mesto, thanked partners and sponsors on behalf of the organizing committee: “At Cycling Club Novo Mesto, we will do everything to ensure the successful development and positioning of the club in the region, while remaining committed to high goals and striving to go even further. Our vision also includes the Tour of Slovenia as the country’s biggest cycling event, even in years when Slovenia does not host the European Championships or other major races. The race is widely recognized as important for Slovenia and for sport. Thank you to all partners who believe in this project, and I already wish the cyclists the best of luck in this year’s race.”

The 2026 Tour of Slovenia will start on June 17 from the scenic setting of Lake Velenje, promising an exciting battle for the green jersey across all 800 kilometers of the route.