Šimenc and Hoogerland fastest at the sold-out 3rd edition of L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France
More than 1,200 recreational cyclists from 28 countries took part in the 3rd edition of L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France this September 7-8, 2024
The Municipality of Kranj, together with the Tourism and Culture Board Kranj (Visit Kranj), hosted the 2-day cycling celebration L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France, with cycling star Matej Mohoric as its ambassador. Saturday's lively events featured a variety of cycling challenges in the spirit of the Tour de France, ranging from races for the youngest on balance bikes, primary school children, family cycling, and of course the Gran Fondo races.
Saturday was marked by socializing of all generations who like to spend their free time in cycling. The immense joy of the smiling children's faces as they completed an 800-meter loop is always an immeasurable added value to the festival. Close to 150 cyclists participated in the children's races, while around 400 young and not-so-young cyclists took part in the family route.
The 500-meter climb up Jelenov klanec, where only the ascent time was measured, while safety was the priority on the descent. The key challenge wasn't just the time trial climb, but beating Matej Mohoric, who cycled while carrying cans of refreshing isotonic drinks from Union Brewery, the event's sponsor.
The fastest female cyclist was Eva Zaletel with a time of 52.5 seconds, while the fastest male was Rok Zupancic with a time of 39 seconds. Mohoric reached the finish of Jelenov klanec with a time of 58.6 seconds. The boutique challenge provided a special experience for 150 cyclists.
On Sunday the Gorenjska roads were taken over by recreational road cyclists, who had the opportunity to taste the sweetness of the world's most famous cycling race.
Participants came from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Brazil, with a strong presence from European neighbouring countries including Austria, Germany, Italy, Czechia, and Croatia alongside hundreds of local Slovenian cyclists. They took part in either the 80km or 150km race.
The event passed through two loops and towns in eleven municipalities in Gorenjska and the course featured two mountain climbs, allowing for battles for the Polka-Dot jersey and a sprint segment for the Green jersey, while the fastest and youngest participants were awarded the white jersey.
Winner of the yellow women’s jersey on the 150 km distance was local rider Laura Šimenc with the fastest time of 4:01:23.6.
Well known ex-pro rider and Austrian Johnny Hoogerland was fastest overall for the men in a time of 3:45:47.5, both of whom were last year’s winners as well.
On the 80 km route, the winners were Austrian Valerie Rupitsch with a time of 1:58:09.1 and local rider Patrik Mikac with a time of 1:49:38.8.
The authentic atmosphere of a major race was ensured by numerous spectators and fans along the course, as well as top-notch organization and protocols from the world’s greatest race – the cycling took place on roads closed to other traffic.
Once again this year, Matej Mohoric joined the peloton, offering many participants words of encouragement, providing a good draft to ride in, and simply enjoying the ride with everyone. Now somewhat of a tradition, the biggest celebration along the route was hosted by the residents and members of the Podblica Firefighters Association, from Mohoric’s hometown.
The winners of the iconic Tour de France jerseys
Fastest 150 km – Women:
1- Laura Šimenc, Slovenia, with a time: 4:01:24 (yellow jersey)
2- Andrea Heged, Croatia, with a time: 4:13:02
3- Vesna Alegro Baznik, Slovenia, with a time: 4:25:26
Fastest 150 km – Men:
1- Johnny Hoogerland, Austria, with a time: 3:45:48 (yellow jersey)
2- Matic Grošelj, Slovenia, with a time: 3:45:48
3- Marko Emeršic, Slovenia, with a time: 3:46:06.
Fastest 80 km – Women:
1- Valerie Rupitsch, Slovenia, with a time: 1:58:09 (yellow jersey)
2- Lena Repinc, Slovenia, with a time: 1:58:24
3- Tjaša Mlinaric, Slovenia, with a time: 2:00:26
Fastest 80 km – Men:
1- Patrik Mikac, Slovenia, with a time: 1:49:39 (yellow jersey)
2- Jure Bitenc, Slovenia, with a time: 1:52:18
3- Mitja Klavora, Slovenia, with a time: 1:52:38.
Polka dot Jersey – fastest on the mountain climb (all SLO):
150 km: Laura Šimenc and Matic Grošelj
80 km: Lena Repinc and Patrik Mikac.
Green jersey – fastest in the sprint segment (all SLO):
150 km: Laura Šimenc, Mario Sajko
80 km: Tina Klinar, Niko Senekovic.
White Jersey – young cyclist (all SLO)
150 km: Anja Zalokar and Enej Košir
80 km: Lena Repinc, Mario Lorenci.
The live broadcast of Sunday’s race was streamed and you can still watch the recorded broadcast.
Part of the funds raised were once again donated to the Matej Mohoric Foundation, which supports the development of young cycling talents.
This year, personal photos of the participants, taken by top sports photographers from Sportograf, are available for purchase. You can find your photos by entering your race number: https://www.sportograf.com/en/event/11520
Link to 2024 L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France Results: https://www.timingljubljana.si/rezultati.aspx?IDtekme=5563&tip=B
