sports
Should Slovenia be your next cycling destination?
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

TL;DR
- Slovenia is gaining recognition as a top cycling destination, partly due to Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar.
- The country offers a variety of cycling routes, including challenging Alpine passes and serene, dedicated bike paths.
- Bled serves as a good base, with easy access to Triglav National Park and diverse cycling routes.
- A tour operator can manage logistics, allowing cyclists to focus on riding.
- Dedicated tarmac bike paths, often built on former railway lines, are noted for their quality and separation from traffic.
- Key climbs include Vršič Pass with its historic cobblestone sections and the challenging Mangart climb to Slovenia's highest paved point.
- The region offers dramatic mountain scenery, comparable to the Dolomites, alongside gentler routes through forests and meadows.
- Slovenia also provides cultural and historical attractions, such as Bled Castle and local culinary specialties like Bled cream cake and štruklji.