Around Kočevje you don't only meet cyclists, sometime you also cross ways with bears

Archives of Tour of Slovenia have detailed information about quite a few stages that took place in the area around Kočevje, the city itself hosted stage start of finish several times. Area is famous for the most preserved and complete forest habitat in Europe, one that offers pristine experience of nature and contact with different plants and animals. Most famous dweller of these places is of course brown bear of Kočevje.

Whole area around Kočevje is developing sustainable tourism, this is why the area is the part of Slovenian green tourism project and also has bronze award Slovenia Green Destination. This is in fact great link with Tour of Slovenia, the race itself has a new slogan Fight for Green – in the nature and in sports, especially in cycling that is a promotion of green mobility on its own. In case of Tour of Slovenia this is also the symbol of actual battle for the leaders (green) jersey.

Bear is a “trademark” of Kočevje area, this is why the winner of first stage of 23^rd edition of Slovenian tour will be awarded with the sculpture of the bear. Trophy will be awarded by mayor of Kočevje, lucky winner will also have the honor to wear green jersey for the first time in history. Jersey will be awarded by representative of Telekom Slovenija, main sponsor of the race.

When we talk about bears we can’t not talk about international fame that this brown citizen of Slovenia got around the world, also thanks to story in the world famous The Guardian, very influential British newspaper with 110 years of history. About 10 years ago Slovenia “exported” about 210 cm tall and 220 kg heavy brown bear Pyros to Iberian Peninsula, and shortly after that another one – this one was ten years younger and named Baloo (like the cartoon character). This happened in the time when last domestic male bear of that region died, its name was Canelle. Baloo even got two godfathers – Gérard Depardieu in Fanny Ardant. It turned out that Pyros is a real Casanova; he has 40 descendants in Spain and France. So much that the Spaniards even start to think about his castration. Pyros also influenced the life of Baloo – apparently he was so jealous of him that he managed to separate him from the herd. Baloo died in 2016…

Kočevje area is also a home to amazing pristine forest, one that humans didn’t influenced yet. It’s known for very nice and hospitable residents, as well as for changing weather that makes sure that it rains almost every time Tour of Slovenia passes. Cold weather is also not excluded. So everything that gives a race some special flair and makes it a classic.