The second edition of L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France impressed
Amateur cyclists had the opportunity to experience the Tour de France in Slovenian for the second year
Amateur cyclists had the opportunity to experience the Tour de France in Slovenian for the second year in a row and thus become a part of the world series L'Etape, which takes place in 25 countries around the world. On Sunday, September 3, 2023, more than 1,000 female and male cyclists took part on a 68 km or 136 km long route across Gorenjska roads. The authentic atmosphere was provided by many spectators and fans along the track, great organization that followed the protocol from the biggest race in the cycling world and marked segments for the fastest at the king/queen of mountain and the fastest sprinter at Predoslje. Also, the cult mascot Didi the Devil was there.
Matjaž Rakovec, the mayor of the Municipality of Kranj started the race
The colourful caravan of cyclists who took part in the race from as many as 23 countries was given the starting signal by Matjaž Rakovec, the mayor of the Municipality of Kranj, and the local, top cyclist and ambassador of L'Etape Slovenia, Matej Mohorič, wished the participants good luck, and who has also ridden along with them. Many cyclists had the opportunity to ride alongside a champion and taste the deliciousness of a professional cycling race.
The winner of the longer route – 136 km distance – was already last year's winner, the Austrian Johnny Hoogerland, while Gašper Breznik was looking forward to the victory in the shorter distance (Ride).
In the women's competition Laura Šimenc swept away her rivals, and Valerie Rupitsch from Austria was the first to cross the finish line at 68 km. All the fastest are also winners of the iconic yellow jersey of the Tour de France.
The results of all participants are available on the website of the official timing of the event, Timing. This year edition was live broadcasted on Planet TV.
The opening of the cycling festival L'Etape Slovenia was already on Saturday when children's and family cycling took place in the spirit of Tour de France.
This year's L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France took place on a slightly changed route due to the catastrophic floods that ravaged Slovenia at the beginning of August. The organizers donated 8,000 euros to the Matej Mohorič Foundation, which will be used to help those most affected by the August floods.
Kranj will also host L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France next year, on September 7 and 8, 2024, when Gorenjska will again be in yellow.
