The Balkans’ cycling history, featuring Slovenian and Croatian influence, shows the region’s growing role in major tours, with potential for future expansion.
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The article traces the history of cycling in the Balkans, noting that while the Tour de France has never passed through the region, the area’s cycling prowess is highlighted by the potential for the race to start in Slovenia in 2029, featuring stars like Tadej Pogačar. Historically, the Tour de Italy entered Slovenia in 1994 and Croatia in 2004, while earlier events like the South Slav Championship connected cities in the region. The Tour de France also played a role in popularizing the sport, notably when it invited a Yugoslav amateur delegation in 1936. During the Yugoslav period, the region hosted its own races, such as the “Tour of Croatia and Slovenia” starting in 1937. Following World War II, a race between Trieste and Varna was organized to strengthen ties between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. During the Cold War, Yugoslav cycling faced geopolitical limitations, but the country remained active by hosting events like the Tour d’Europe and participating in the Tour d’Italy. In recent decades, the region’s cyclists have become increasingly visible in major international tours, and today, the Slovenian Tour is one of the few Balkan races on the UCI ProSeries calendar.
