Kranj awarded with Cycle City label by Tour de France

Kranj awarded by label even while hosting "only" a L'Etape by Tour de France

Kranj is the first city to receive the Cycle City label (Ville à vélo) despite “only” hosting a cycling event for recreational and amateur cyclists from the global L’Étape by Tour de France series. The City Municipality of Kranj (MOK) earned the organizers’ favour through its successful hosting of the L’Étape Slovenia by Tour de France event for amateur cyclists, which has taken place in Kranj since 2022.

Kranj is the first city from the L’Étape series to receive the Cycle City Label — a recognition we introduced last year to highlight cities that actively promote cycling and support the L’Étape by Tour de France series. When I had the opportunity to visit Kranj, talk with you and local authorities, and see the quality of the cycling infrastructure and the city’s dedication to cycling culture, it became clear that Kranj fully embodies the values this label represents. We are proud that Kranj is the first ambassador city of the Cycle City Label within the L’Étape series. Let us continue together to spread the passion and promote cycling mobility.” Mathieu Clanchin, A.S.O. representative

Cycle City Sign Installed at City Entrance

Each city awarded the prestigious Cycle City label also receives a special sign with the recognition written in French (Ville à vélo) and English (Cycle City), which includes a graphic with cyclists indicating the city’s level of cycling development. Kranj received two out of four possible cyclists. The sign has already been installed on Staneta Žagarja Road in Primskovo.

This is a great honor for our city. The title is not only a reward for our work in developing cycling and sustainable mobility so far, but also a commitment to continue doing our best in this area. We are proud of our bike-sharing system KRsKolesom, which is part of the broader GorenjskaBike system. When we launched it in 2017, it had six stations; today there are over 30 stations and more than 210 bikes. In the first years, we saw just over 11,000 annual rentals — last year, we surpassed 100,000 rentals. A remarkable milestone. Each year we continue to develop cycling infrastructure and ensure safe routes — although much work still lies ahead. I want to thank everyone who helps us create this successful cycling story, which has now received new international recognition.” Matjaž Rakovec, Mayor of the City of Kranj

Official Ceremony During Press Event

The MOK presented the award at a press conference attended by Mayor Matjaž Rakovec, A.S.O. representative Mathieu Clanchin, cycling champion and L’Étape Slovenia ambassador Matej Mohorič (a Kranj native), Miha Pahulje (board member of Merkur Insurance), and L’Étape Slovenia project manager Andi Bajc.

Successful Organization Only Possible with Partners

The organization of L’Étape Slovenia places great emphasis on safety, intergenerational inclusion, and spreading a passion for cycling to as many people as possible, which is why the program is enriched every year.

Together with Gorenjska banka, we’ve long organized children’s races and a family ride. Last year we premiered the time trial challenge on Jelenov Klanec “K0.0lesarim na polno!” with our partner Pivovarna Union. This year, we will debut a Business Ride, made possible by Merkur Insurance, which also became the event’s title sponsor this year.

This partnership is no coincidence — Merkur zavarovalnica plays an important role in promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle as part of the international Merkur Versicherung group, which has long supported the strategic development of sports in the wider region.

Sponsoring L’Étape Slovenia reflects our core values. What’s especially important to us is that, through our support for the Matej Mohorič Foundation, we’re able to help young people from less privileged backgrounds engage in sports — a concrete step toward a more inclusive and healthier society.” Miha Pahulje, Board Member of Merkur zavarovalnica

Strengthening Regional Connections Across Gorenjska

L’Étape Slovenia doesn’t just connect participants and their loyal supporters — it also brings together municipalities and residents in the towns and villages through which the Sunday stage passes.

I’m pleased that the event in Kranj and the surrounding areas, particularly in the municipalities along the longer Sunday route, has been so well received. This is reflected not only in the annual growth of active participants — this year, we’ve already seen a 42% increase in registrations for the Sunday race compared to the same time last year, with 30% of those registered coming from abroad — but also in the number of spectators, fans, and supporters along virtually the entire route.” Andi Bajc, L’Étape Slovenia Project manager