There is a chance that the Tour de France will start in Slovenia in the near future. The government of the Central European country has backed a letter of intent to host the Grand Départ, Slovenian media report. Slovenia is aiming for the year 2029.
With the major Slovenian cycling successes of Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, this is no strange move. "We are a sporting nation with an incredible passion for our athletes. This has become especially evident in cycling over recent years," reads a press release. Alongside the Slovenian Prime Minister, the Slovenian Cycling Federation and the management of the Tour of Slovenia also support the plan.
"Cycling is more than just a sport for us. It is a symbol of connection, movement, pride, and hope," comes the message from Slovenia. While there had previously been talk of a joint bid with neighboring Italy and/or Croatia, Slovenia has now decided to submit its candidacy alone. This was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob at a press conference.
Three days
The plan is to organize three stages in Slovenia, according to the proposal that will soon be sent to the Tour de France organizer ASO. The project is expected to cost between 10 and 12 million euros. After the intended Grand Départ in the capital Ljubljana, the second stage would finish on Preval Vršič, the highest climb in the country. After the third stage, the peloton would then fly to France.
"This is a very serious step on our part," said Pavel Marđonović of the Slovenian Cycling Federation. "Of course, there is no guarantee that the race organizer will accept this. But it is a significant move forward."
It is not yet known where the 2029 Tour de France will start. Slovenia appears to be the first country to have shown interest. The 2026 Grand Départ is scheduled for Barcelona, and for 2027, Edinburgh, Scotland, has been selected. Therefore, it is expected that a French city will host the Tour start in 2028.
