Top Cycling Events in Slovenia

Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists of all kinds, and its calendar is packed with events that let you: 

• ride, 
• race, or 
• simply cheer from the sidelines. 

These events are a fantastic way to enhance your Slovenia bike tour, adding excitement, culture, and unforgettable memories to your journey.

From professional stage races and epic gran fondos to quirky, fun competitions, each event offers something unique. Here is a curated list of the top cycling events in Slovenia:

1. Tour of Slovenia

Participation Type: Professional race (UCI ProSeries)

When: June 

Where: Across Slovenia – from the Adriatic coast to the Julian Alps

Slovenia’s premier cycling spectacle, the Tour of Slovenia, is a five-day professional stage race that takes place each June. It’s the country’s biggest cycling event, drawing world-class riders and teams to tackle some of the most stunning and challenging routes in Central Europe.

The race covers about 800 km in total, with individual stages averaging 170 km. Riders face a mix of flat sprints, rolling hills, and brutal mountain climbs—stacking up to more than 12,000 m of elevation gain across the week.

For fans, the atmosphere is unforgettable. Expect roadside crowds, buzzing town squares, and even mini-festivals as the race passes through. Whether cheering in the mountains or at a finish line in the city, you’ll feel the passion Slovenia has for cycling.

2. Maraton Franja

Participation Type: Amateur gran fondo (open to all)

When: June 

Where: Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside

Maraton Franja is Slovenia’s legendary gran fondo, and one of the country’s most beloved sporting traditions. 

Thousands of cyclists—from beginners to seasoned riders—roll out of Ljubljana each June to test themselves on routes ranging from 21 km family rides to the 156 km marathon course through Slovenia’s charming villages and rolling countryside.

Maraton Franja is a full-on festival. Streets fill with cheering locals, aid stations feel like parties, and the camaraderie is unmatched. Whether you ride the short loop or the full marathon, you become part of Slovenia’s cycling story.

If you want to ride shoulder-to-shoulder with Slovenia’s cycling-obsessed community, this is the one. 

Want to join the hype? Reach out and let’s start planning! You can cycle at your own pace during one of our cycling tours in the region or take it up a notch and join the race.

3. L’Étape Slovenia

Type: Amateurs (Tour de France-style experience)

When: September

Where: Kranj and the Gorenjska region

Dream of riding like the pros? L’Étape Slovenia brings the full Tour de France experience to the scenic foothills of the Julian Alps. Closed roads, timed climbs, and pro-level organization let amateur cyclists feel the thrill of competition while pedaling past postcard-perfect villages.

Our own guests from the Australian Luna Riders Cycling Club joined the event—and we even arranged a meet-up with Slovenian pro Matej Mohorič for a once-in-a-lifetime cycling story.

Want to ride the same trails? Our Ride of the Champions tour follows this region’s best routes, or we can help arrange your entry to L’Étape itself.

4. Istria Cycling Marathon

Participation Type: Amateur-friendly (open to all levels)
When: Every October
Where: Slovenian Istria—primarily Ankaran, with routes through Koper, Izola, and beyond

Longing for a relaxed yet engaging ride through coastal Slovenia? The Istria Cycling Marathon delivers with charm, variety, and unforgettable panoramas.

This is Slovenia’s largest recreational cycling event in Istrian territory, crafted for all fitness levels—from leisurely riders to seasoned cyclists.

With route options ranging from 10 km to 79 km, there’s something for every level—from casual riders to ambitious amateurs seeking a challenging ride. Along the way, participants experience charming seaside towns, panoramic hilltop views, and the lively atmosphere of Slovenia’s largest Istrian cycling event.

The routes are a great addition to the tours that start or finish on the Slovenian coast, including:

While Slovenia is famous for its professional stage races and epic gran fondos, the cycling scene here isn’t all serious business. 

For those who love a bit of adventure, whimsy, or just a good laugh on two wheels, Slovenia also offers fun, playful races that celebrate creativity, community, and sheer enjoyment.

5. Red Bull Goni Pony

Participation Type: Fun & quirky (open to all)

When: June

Where: Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Ready for the most entertaining ride of your life? The Red Bull Goni Pony is a retro cycling race that turns tradition on its head. Participants tackle the iconic Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest paved mountain pass, on 20-inch-wheeled folding bikes—the legendary Rog Pony. No gears, one brake, and a whole lot of style.

The 13.5 km route features 24 hairpin bends and an 801-meter elevation gain, making it a challenging climb. But the real fun lies in the atmosphere: riders wear costumes, decorate their bikes with inflatable flamingos or unicorns, and compete for the best-dressed titles.

Most of our tours, like the signature Alps to Adriatic or Julian Alps Road Tour, go through the Alps and also tackle Vršič Pass. And if you think that might be too hard on a regular bike, why not try it on a pony without gears while laughing your way up the climb?

Ready to Ride?

No matter your style, pace, or level of experience, there’s a way to ride, watch, and celebrate the country’s cycling culture.

So pick your ride, join the fun, or cheer from the sidelines—Slovenia’s cycling adventures are ready and waiting for you!

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