An extraordinary weekend in Kranj

As every year, L'Étape Slovenia offered far more than just a race: riders from all over the world, a warm atmosphere and a lively village in the heart of Kranj made this weekend a real celebration of cycling. Both routes on offer, 130 km and 80 km, were particularly demanding, with steep climbs and some sections reaching gradients of over 15%, all in perfect racing conditions from start to finish.

Event ambassador Matej Mohoric was on hand, cheered on by the crowd in his home village as the race went through. The night before, on Saturday evening, around fifty riders had already gone head-to-head with him at the K0.lesari na polno! Challenge, a timed 500-metre climb held in the heart of Kranj, in an electric atmosphere.

Another nice touch on the route: the race also passed through Komenda, the hometown of Tadej Pogačar, giving riders a symbolic ride through the home turf of the Slovenian champion and multiple Tour de France winner.

The results

130 km

In the men's race, the win came down to a sprint from a group of 8 riders. Marko EMERŠIČ took the victory in 3h12mn41s, ahead of Johnny HOOGERLAND and Lubomir MURARIK.

In the women's race, Laura ŠIMENC KRAMAR won again in 3h24mn04s, ahead of Maja MENCIGAR and Andrea HEGED.

80 km

In the men's race, Patrik MIKAC made the difference on the climb 30 km from the finish, taking the win ahead of Niko ČUČEK y Gašper BERLOT.

In the women's race, Eva GOROPEČNIK won, ahead of Ana ŠPEHONJA and Jana LENEMAYER.

Ready for the 2027 edition?

Loved this 2026 edition, or wish you'd been there? L'Étape Slovenia has already opened pre-registration for the 2027 edition, a chance to secure your spot at the best price for the unique atmosphere of Kranj next year.

L'Étape Series, meanwhile, continues its journey across Europe, with several stops coming up: L'Étape Türkiye (September 20), L'Étape Mondovi (September 20) and L'Étape Czech Republic (October 3). Discover the full calendar here.