Atmosphere and Prestige of the greatest race Tour de France
The third edition of L'Etape Slovenia impressed numerous cyclists and thousands of participants and fans along the route.
For the third consecutive year, the Municipality of Kranj, together with the Tourism and Culture Board Kranj (Visit Kranj), hosted the 2-day cycling celebration L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France, with cycling star Matej Mohorič as its ambassador. Saturday's lively events featured a variety of cycling challenges in the spirit of the Tour de France, ranging from races for the youngest on balance bikes, primary school children, family cycling, and the premiere of the challenge K0.0lesarim na polno!
Children's and Family Cycling events
The immense joy of the smiling children's faces as they completed an 800-meter loop is always an immeasurable added value to the festival. Close to 150 cyclists participated in the children's races, while around 400 young and not-so-young cyclists took part in the family route.
Thank you to all the parents who encourage your children to lead an active lifestyle.
Also this year's free family and children cycling events once again made possible by Gorenjska banka, the event's strategic partner.
Saturday Highlight: K0.0lesarim na polno
The 500-meter climb up Jelenov klanec, where only the ascent time was measured, while safety was the priority on the descent. The key challenge wasn't just the time trial climb, but beating Matej Mohorič, who cycled while carrying cans of refreshing isotonic drinks from Union Brewery, the event's sponsor.
Eva and Rok, the fastest on the climb
The fastest female cyclist was Eva Zaletel with a time of 52.5 seconds, while the fastest male was Rok Zupančič with a time of 39 seconds. Mohorič reached the finish of Jelenov klanec with a time of 58.6 seconds. The boutique challenge provided a special experience for 150 cyclists.
>> Results are available here.
While Saturday was marked by the gathering of all generations who love to spend their free time cycling, Sunday saw the roads of Gorenjska taken over by recreational road cyclists who had the chance to experience the thrill of the world’s most renowned cycling race – the Tour de France.
Sunday's 80 km and 150 km Challenge
More than 1,200 recreational cyclists from 28 countries, including participants from Australia, Canada, Brazil, and a strong presence from Austria, Germany, Italy, Czechia, and Croatia alongside local Slovenian cyclists, took part in either the 80 km or 150 km race. The event passed through two loops and towns in eleven municipalities in Gorenjska: Kranj, Škofja Loka, Medvode, Vodice, Komenda, Kamnik, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Šenčur, Preddvor, Radovljica, and Tržič. The course featured two mountain climbs, allowing for battles for the polka-dot jersey and a sprint segment for the green jersey, while the fastest and youngest participants were awarded the white jersey.
The absolute fastest cyclists and winners of the yellow jersey on the 150 km distance were local rider Laura Šimenc with a time of 4:01:23.6 and Austrian Johnny Hoogerland with a time of 3:45:47.5, both of whom were last year’s winners as well. On the 80 km route, the winners were Austrian Valerie Rupitsch with a time of 1:58:09.1 and Patrik Mikac with a time of 1:49:38.8. >> More about the winners can be read here.
>> Results are available here.
Podblica Residents – Kings and Queens of the Unforgettable Atmosphere
The authentic atmosphere of a major race was ensured by numerous spectators and fans along the course, as well as top-notch organization and protocols from the world’s greatest race – the cycling took place on roads closed to other traffic. Once again this year, Matej Mohorič joined the cycling caravan, offering many participants words of encouragement, providing a draft to ride in, and simply enjoying the ride with the group. As has become tradition, the biggest celebration along the route was hosted by the residents and members of the Podblica Firefighters Association, from the ambassador's hometown.
Race Broadcast on L'Etape Slovenia YouTube Channel
The live broadcast of Sunday’s race was available on Planet TV and streamed on the L'Etape Slovenia YouTube channel, where you can still watch the recorded broadcast.
>> Watch the race broadcast of L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France 2024
Matej Mohorič Foundation
Part of the funds raised will once again be donated to the Matej Mohorič Foundation, which supports the development of young cycling talents.
Photo Gallery
Once again, professional photographers from Sportida took care of the event’s photos. To view photos from this year’s edition, select the year 2024.
>> Photo Gallery of L'Etape Slovenia Event
SPORTOGRAF: Personal Photos of Sunday’s Race Participants
This year, personal photos of the participants, taken by top sports photographers from Sportograf, are available for purchase. You can find your photos by entering your race number.
>> SPORTOGRAF photos of Sunday’s race participants
Thank you all. Together we create the legendary L'Etape Slovenia experience.
