Tour of Slovenia
The Tour of Slovenia is an annual UCI ProSeries stage race held each June across Slovenia’s varied terrain. Combining Alpine climbs, rolling countryside, technical descents and opportunities for sprinters, the race offers leading riders an important final test ahead of the Tour de France while showcasing Slovenia’s landscapes and passionate cycling culture.
When was the first edition of the Tour of Slovenia?
The first Tour of Slovenia was held in May 1993. The inaugural race consisted of eight stages and was won by Slovenian rider Boris Premužič, who became the first cyclist to wear the race’s yellow leader’s jersey.
How did the Tour of Slovenia come into existence?
The Tour of Slovenia was established in 1993, shortly after Slovenia gained independence, to celebrate the new country and create a national stage race capable of promoting Slovenian cycling at an international level.
The first edition featured eight stages and was organised in honour of the newly independent nation. Boris Premužič won the general classification, describing the race as the main objective of his season.
Over the following decades, the event developed into Slovenia’s largest international cycling race and an important sports and tourism platform. Since 2017, live coverage on Eurosport and Slovenian Television has introduced millions of viewers to the country’s riders, landscapes and destinations.
Who has won the Tour of Slovenia the most times?
The record for the most overall victories is shared by five riders. Mitja Mahorič, Jure Golčer, Diego Ulissi, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar have each won the Tour of Slovenia twice.
What makes the Tour of Slovenia unique?
The Tour of Slovenia combines elite professional cycling with the promotion of Slovenia as a green and active destination. Its changing route can take the peloton from Alpine mountain passes to vineyards, historic towns and the Adriatic coast within the same edition.
The race also has a strong connection to Slovenia’s exceptional cycling generation. Home stars including Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar have used the event to race in front of local supporters, creating some of the most memorable atmospheres on the international calendar.
Where is the Tour of Slovenia held?
The Tour of Slovenia is held across different regions of Slovenia, with the route changing every year to feature a wide variety of landscapes and destinations.
Stages regularly visit the Slovenian Alps, the rolling eastern regions, the Mediterranean west and the country’s principal cities. Novo mesto has played a particularly important role in the race’s history and has hosted more starts and finishes than any other location.
What category race is the Tour of Slovenia?
The Tour of Slovenia is classified as a UCI 2.Pro stage race and forms part of the UCI ProSeries, the level directly below the UCI WorldTour. The classification allows both UCI WorldTeams and leading UCI ProTeams to compete in the event.
