Prime Minister Golob: "Slovenia dares and deserves to dream the biggest dreams"

SLOVENIA, July 18 - Prime Minister Robert Golob spoke about this in more detail at today's event, which was also attended by Pavel Marđonović, President of the Slovenian Cycling Federation, and Bogdan Fink, Director of the Tour of Slovenia, and featured video messages from top Slovenian riders expressing their support. 

 “This is real now," said Prime Minister Golob in his opening remarks, adding that this project is dedicated to the next generation. "We want it to draw its strength, ambition and motivation from the fact that Slovenia as a country dares and deserves to dream the biggest dreams. I am therefore proud that, after several months of preparation, the government yesterday officially confirmed our intention, which I will personally convey to the organisers of the Tour de France in just over a week's time, that Slovenia will host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2029," said the Prime Minister. 

He added that the decision was not an easy one, as these are not simple matters, but that due to the tremendous success of our boys and girls in cycling, we actually owe this step to them as a government and as a nation. "Not only because it is one of the biggest sporting events – the Tour de France is one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world – but also because it is an opportunity to clearly show that Slovenia is more than just a beautiful country. Not only is it home to happy and hard-working people, but is also a self-confident country. And we dare to stand alongside the greatest. Not only in sports, on the race track, but also as organisers of major events," continued the Prime Minister. 

"I believe that this challenge will find very fertile ground in Slovenia. We have experience. I believe that this challenge will be an inspiration and source of pride for all Slovenians, not just athletes. This is a great opportunity for the economy and for our global recognition," said the Prime Minister. He highlighted the exceptional recognition of our athletes and shared that wherever he goes as Prime Minister, he is asked about our athletes. "Those people who know about them may not yet be familiar with all of Slovenia's treasures. After 2029, they will also know about our beauty, about Slovenia as a country. This is our goal, this is why we have embarked on this path, which we believe will not only be successful, but also historic." The Prime Minister concluded by saying that he hopes that in 2029, the spirit of the Tour de France will paint the whole of Slovenia yellow, the colour worn today by our Tadej. 

The President of the Slovenian Cycling Federation began by thanking the Prime Minister and the government for their support in making this major project a reality. "Alongside the Olympic Games and World Championships, the Tour de France is the pinnacle of global cycling and of global sport. It is watched by millions on television and live by millions more along the route," said Marđonović. He emphasised that this is an event that transcends the boundaries of sport and puts the spotlight on the hosts, the country, the regions, the cities and, of course, the people who are helping to create this story. The Tour de France is a celebration of endurance, team spirit, human willpower and exceptional promotional power that no other summer sport can match. "The Tour de France in Slovenia will also be a tribute to the clubs, coaches, staff, local race organisers, volunteers and all enthusiasts who have believed in this sport throughout Slovenia's more than 100-year cycling tradition," said Marđonović.   

Bogdan Fink, director of the Tour of Slovenia cycling race, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister. He said that the Tour de France is more than just a sporting event; it is a tool that connects people, development and promotion. According to him, this is also reflected in the results of the Tour of Slovenia cycling race. "We have made an extraordinary leap forward in the last decade," he said, adding that the race is watched by viewers in more than 130 different countries. "With this cycling race, we are putting Slovenia on the sporting map and presenting it as a potential tourist destination, connecting regions and bringing people together. Our race involves 3,600 people across Slovenia, and we are delighted to be partners of the Tour de France. With every race, we promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This is positive and also good for our descendants," said Bogdan Fink. He added that he welcomes the vision, idea and courage that came from the Prime Minister's Office for Slovenia to apply to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Slovenia in 2029. 

People have been moving on wheels in the territory of today’s Slovenia for at least 5200 years – the age of the world’s oldest wooden wheel with an axle, found in the Ljubljana Marshes. The wheel is a symbol of movement, connection and human progress. Slovenia is a land where natural beauty meets ambition for a healthy, active life. It is a sporting nation that supports its athletes with incredible passion. This has been especially true of cycling in recent years. Cycling is more than a sport in Slovenia. It is a symbol of connection, movement, pride and hope. 

With the triumphs of Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, Matej Mohorič and many other top riders, Slovenia has become a global cycling superpower. But these triumphs are more than victories. They have created a wave of excitement, a massive interest in amateur cycling and a new generation of young people who see their future in sport. The Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Slovenia would not only be an exceptional sporting event, but a historical moment for our country. Slovenia offers everything: a picturesque landscape, spectacular ascents, lively towns, a rich cultural heritage, state-of-the-art infrastructure and years of experience with organising major international competitions. As a country, Slovenia is proud of its commitment to sustainability and its ability to connect sport with business, tourism and society. 

Every year, Tour de France is broadcast in more than 190 countries, with up to 12 million people watching the race live on the sidelines of the track. In Slovenia, this is seen as an opportunity to showcase its story to the world, not only as the hosts of an incredible race, but also as partners in a global movement bringing together sport, culture, nature and community. Slovenia aims to enter this story with an open heart, great dedication and national pride. We believe that, together with the Tour de France, we can write a new chapter in the history of world cycling.