Experience the 5th L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France — Ride Where Champions Are Made
The fifth edition of Merkur zavarovalnica L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France is scheduled for September 5–6, 2026, and will be hosted once more by the city of Kranj, the capital of the Gorenjska region.
The city was honoured by Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) with the label Ville à vélo – the Cycle City as the first city within Tour de France host cities family hosted “only” an amateur stage L’Etape and not one of the pro stages of Tour de France.
Registration for the Sunday’s Ride (80 km) and Race (130 km) is open, and you should be registered by the end of January 2026 to catch an early bird price of only € 69.99. Don’t hesitate and join to the international peloton of amateur road cyclist from 30+ countries.
Both distances offer astonishing panorama views surrounded by the mountains and leading through picturesque roads of small towns and villages. The moderate route leads you through the hometowns of cycling stars Tadej Pogacar, and Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) who is the ambassador of the event and always cycling along with the participants. You’ll conquer the same roads where other Slovenian cycling stars forged their talent — including Primož Roglic and Urška Žigart, to name just a few.
All participants of L’Étape Slovenia — in both the Ride and Race distances, in men and women categories — compete for the authentic Tour de France jerseys: Yellow, Green, Polka Dot and White. But above all, it’s a unique chance to become part of the Tour de France legend. To ride for joy, personal triumph, team spirit and the discovery of Slovenia’s hidden gems. Everyone is awarded with the finisher medal when crossing the finish line!
Immerse yourself in an exhilarating Tour de France experience, riding on fully closed roads with over 2,000 m of climbing (Race distance). Don’t wait too long — the event is capped at 1,600 participants. Now is the perfect moment to secure this boutique cycling experience at an early-bird rate
The race village for the weekend long cycling festival is located at Slovenski trg in Kranj, where you can pick up your start packet and welcome bag (even one hour before the race start). The race village hosts partners and exhibitors with the latest products, services and offer various activities, promotions and tastings to visitors and participants and their families.
Saturday brings a variety of cycling challenges for all generations (registrations not yet open) and is dedicated to socializing, with children and families at the heart of the activities. Families can enjoy a free group ride through the city of Kranj on a 13 km route. The youngest riders — including toddlers on balance bikes — will have the chance to take on an 800 m loop around the venue.
Those seeking a thrill can challenge Matej Mohoric in a boutique race against the clock: a sprint ascent up Jelenov Hill in the centre of Kranj, known as the world’s shortest time-trial — just 500 m.
You can also experience cycling team-building at the 34 km Business Ride with 333 m of elevation, either as a relaxed, non-timed group ride or as a Business Team race in pairs.
Throughout the weekend, the L’Étape Slovenia festival offers you and your companions a range of outdoor activities to strengthen bonds in the true spirit of the Tour de France.
For sure, the Sunday's Ride (80km) and Race (130–150 km) enables you to enjoy a breath-taking Tour de France experience and ride on closed roads in surroundings of Kranj, also titled with European Destination of Excellence 2023. During the race you’ll benefit from medical assistance, mechanical assistance, both stationary and mobile will be provided, including the feed stations. Participation in the official Sprint Challenge & KOM Challenge to compete to win the Tour de France Green Jersey & Polka Dot jersey and the overall Yellow jersey across a range of age categories. Support wagon will provide transport to the finish line if, heaven forbid, you have to drop out.
We’re also keeping our fingers crossed to welcome once again the legendary Didi the Devil at the fifth edition of L’Étape Slovenia, inspiring and motivating everyone at the festival with his iconic trident.
Welcome to L’Etape Slovenia by Tour de France in Kranj in September 5–6. 2026.
Don’t miss the early bird registration fee and assure yourself a bib number today! For more information visit web portal L’Etape Slovenia and follow social media #LetapeSlovenia on Facebook, Instagram, Strava, You Tube, and LinkedIn.
5th L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France Photo Gallery
