In , Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France. But they're far from the first from Slovenia to make a mark on cycling. Their run of results in some of the biggest races of the last few years raises them above the level of their peers and precedents by inches, not miles. It feels much larger. Its western frontier, across the Julian Alps, connects it with Italy, while Austria and a small stretch of Hungary lie to the north.
As we drive south, the photographer, Jaka, points out a plaque beside the highway near Medvedjek. It marks where six Yugoslav truck drivers were killed in an air strike during the Slovenian Independence War, in June Related: Tadej Pogacar on winning the Tour at 22 and what the future holds.
The velodrome, the first indoor track in Slovenia, will give local riders a place to train in winter, saving them from having to go abroad. Pulling up beside the impressive but simple white domed structure, I notice a sign proudly proclaiming the contribution made by the European Union towards the cost of its construction.
He initially misunderstands, taking my question to be an accusation of favouritism. They give everything. Leadership does not come naturally, it seems, even to prodigious talents like Matej Mohoric who, despite his successes, would prefer to ride in service to others.
Related: Tour de France Preview. He did everything with his legs. Did you know Primoz Roglic not pictured used to be a ski jumper? Planica Nordic Centre, Slovenia. His best explanation for riders turning down the team is that Bahrain-Merida, like Slovenian riders historically, is not taken as seriously as some established teams.
