Over the past few years Slovenia has been turned into the nation in cycling which has been obtaining the best results, much of them through just three riders. However, the small Balkan country is finally set to host a major week-long event as in 2026, Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic will get to race the European Championships close to home.

The country, host to only 2 million in population, has over the past few years been pushing for more and more presence in the cycling calendar, with the Tour of Slovenia occasionally having the presence of either Pogacar, Roglic or Matej Mohoric – Grand Tour and monument winners – but also its roads have been occasionally used at the Giro d’Italia. In 2023, the proximity of the final mountain time-trial in Monte Lussari to the Slovenian border saw thousands make the trip to see Primoz Roglic finally conquer the pink jersey in style. It is also said that the country is working on hosting a Tour de France Grand Depart, although this is a tougher mission with strong competition.

However the Slovenian riders won’t have to wait long until they can have a world-class event in their home country, as the capital of Ljubljana will be hosting the 2026 European Championships, as confirmed today by the UEC. The events will be taking place from the 3rd to 7th of October, after the World Championships – in Montréal, Canada – as is the case this year as well.

Whilst the routes have not yet been announced, Ljubljana has secured this spot, with other locations such as Bled, Maribor and Piran as potential contenders for secondary events or race starts. With this week’s European Championships hosting Tadej Pogacar, it could be that the nation will also be able to advertise the defending champion next year.