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Slovenia to host the 2026 European Road Cycling Championships

Slovenia has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 European Road Cycling Championships. The contract was formally signed by the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han; the President of the Slovenian Cycling Federation, Pavel Marđonović; and the President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC), Enrico Della Casa.
Minister Matjaž Han with Pavel Marđonović, President of the Cycling Federation of Slovenia, and Enrico Della Casa, President of the European Cycling Union

Author Vid Ponikvar, Sportida

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This landmark event will take place on Slovenian roads for the very first time, further establishing Slovenia's reputation as a recognised and reliable host in the world of European sport.

The signing of the contract marks the official start of preparations for the Championships, which will bring together more than 40 participating nations, around 800 competitors, and a large number of support teams. For several days, Slovenia will be the focal point of European sport, tourism, and media attention across various channels.

At the signing, Minister Han emphasised:" The 2026 European Road Cycling Championships will be a celebration of sport, pride, and unity. It will be an opportunity for our elite cyclists to perform on home soil, in front of our loyal fans, and prove that Slovenia performs best when we all cycle in the same direction."

An awards ceremony evening honouring the stars of the Slovenian Cycling Federation

Following the signing of the contract, the Slovenian Cycling Federation hosted its "Evening of Stars" event, at which Minister Han addressed the audience and presented the Slovenian road cycling national team with a special achievement award.

The event honoured the accomplishments of Slovenian cyclists, whose outstanding performances continually strengthen the country's international visibility.

From Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič to Matej Mohorič, Urška Žigart and Eugenia Bujak, Slovenian cyclists have firmly placed Slovenia on the map of world-class cycling. Their victories and top placements have delivered not only athletic success, but also promoted Slovenia as a green, active, and sports-oriented destination.

Minister Han concluded: "Slovenian cyclists inspire us every day with their talent, dedication, and perseverance. The European Championships and the achievements of our champions prove that sport connects generations and regions and powerfully promotes Slovenia worldwide."

The following awards were presented by the Slovenian Cycling Federation:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Tone Kunaver
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marjan Knaflič
Paracyclist of the Year: Anej Doplihar
Contribution Award: Municipality of Nova Gorica (Giro d'Italia stage in Slovenia)
Contribution Award: Uroš Ložar
Amateur Female Cyclist of the Year: Mateja Meško
Amateur Male Cyclist of the Year: Andrej Žavbi
Amateur European Championship Medals: Borja Jelič, Gregor Sikošek, Laura Šimenc Kramar
Special Achievement Award: Nežka Libnik
Special Achievement Award: Matic Kranjec Žagar
Special Achievement Award: Jakob Omrzel
Special Achievement Award: Matej Mohorič
Best Young Mountain Biker (Male): Lenart Dejak
Best Young Mountain Biker (Female): Maruša Tereza Šerkezi
Mountain Biker of the Year (Male): Jakob Klemenčič
Mountain Biker of the Year (Female): Monika Hrastnik
Career Recognition Award: Monika Hrastnik
Career Recognition Award: Eugenia Bujak
Female Cyclist of the Year: Urška Žigart
Male Cyclist of the Year: Tadej Pogačar
Special Achievements: Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, Matej Mohorič, Domen Novak, Luka Mezgec, Gal Glivar, Matevž Govekar, Matic Žumer, Jaka Primožič, Mihael Štajnar, Anže Skok, Tilen Finkšt, Uroš Murn