My secret reason for visiting Slovenia

by RINA STEYN

I recently wrote about how I, a South African, experienced the wonderful geography and sustainability of Slovenia. But now, let me reveal the secret motivation behind my trip to Slovenia. Until 2021 I did not know anything about this beautiful country.

It all started in 2021 when a friend suggested I watch the Tour de France for its breathtaking scenery. I tuned in and it was indeed spectacular. But after just a week, I was completely hooked on the cycling action! I discovered that the defending winner of the 2020 race, Tadej Pogačar, had narrowly beaten Primož Roglič in the final stage. Both riders hail from Slovenia, though they ride for different teams: Pogačar for UAE Team Emirates and Roglič for, at the time, Team Jumbo Visma. Roglič, the favourite among Slovenian fans, wasn't thrilled about being bested by the young upstart, Pogačar.

In 2021 Roglič was on a mission to claim the yellow jersey, but unfortunately, he crashed out in Stage 12, and Pogačar went on to win the Tour de France back-to-back. By then, I was a die-hard fan of this Slovenian sensation and started watching every road race broadcast in South Africa. In 2022 Pogačar had a very bad day and was beaten by Jonas Vingegaard but still managed to secure second place. In 2023 Pogačar crashed during the Liège-Bastogne-Liège monument race and broke his wrist, which hindered his preparation for the 2023 Tour when he finished second to Vingegaard again. In the same year Primož Roglič won the Giro D'Italia in a spectacular fashion. Now, I had two favourite riders, and that was the secret reason for my trip to Slovenia. I wanted to experience the country that produced these two incredible cyclists.

2024 was an extraordinary year for both riders: Tadej Pogačar achieved the triple crown by dominating the Giro d' Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship Road Race. Primož Roglič won the Vuelta a España in a commanding performance.

Why does Slovenia produce such outstanding cyclists?

Slovenia's secret lies in its breathtaking geography, committed to sustainability, and a culture that embraces outdoor activities. This small country has always excelled in winter sports, producing world-class athletes in Alpine skiing and ski-jumping. Primož Roglič, for instance, was an exceptional ski-jumper before switching to cycling, which helped him become a powerful time trialist and mountain stage rider.

Tadej Pogačar, on the other hand, grew up in the small town of Komenda, where cycling is becoming increasingly popular. Komenda hosts the Pogi Cup, a local race for young cyclists aged 8 to 19. Initiatives like this help identify and nurture young talent from an early age, setting the stage for future champions.

Another key factor is the attitude and ethos of the Slovenian people. They are immensely proud of their country and promote it with passion. This positive mindset is evident in their athletes: Luka Mezgec, another Slovenian cyclist, once told Pogačar at the beginning of his career to simply enjoy the sport. Pogačar himself has said many times that he will stop racing when he no longer enjoys it. He loves riding his bike and always smiles whether he's winning or congratulating a rival who beat him.

Roglič shares a similar philosophy. He maintains that he will race as long as he has the motivation and it makes him happy. In an interview with RaiSport, he said: "In life there are not only successes and high moments, but also falls. What counts is always getting back up."

On 17 September 2024, I embarked on an adventure to Komenda; I bought a bus ticket and eagerly waited at bus stop 7, as instructed. When the bus arrived, the driver informed me that he wasn't heading to Komenda. Confused and disappointed, I wondered how this could be, as I had specifically bought the ticket for Komenda.

Determined not to let this setback ruin my plans, I returned to the ticket office to sort things out. This time, a different attendant reassured me that another bus would arrive within an hour. "But what if that driver isn't going to Komenda either?" I asked. "I don't know, but go to bus stop 6 and wait," was the reply.

With renewed hope, I made my way to bus stop 6. To my relief, this bus was indeed going to Komenda. After a scenic drive of about 45 minutes, the driver announced our arrival. I stepped off the bus, ready for my Pogačar adventure, though I had no idea where to start. I decided to follow the road and see where it led me. After a short walk, the following sight stopped me short:

I tried to take a selfie with the banner of Pogačar - something I am not good at. While I was struggling, a small group of people appeared nearby and one of the men came over and offered to take a photo. I thanked him profusely. He said that it had been a pleasure and that it was his job - he is a photographer. When I told him that I was in Komenda on account of Tadej Pogačar, he said that he had just finished an interview with his parents and pointed them out just up the road.

Completely overcome I asked them for a photo and said that I was an enthusiastic fan of Tadej upon which Marjeta Pogačar said very proudly: "And I am his mother."

I could not believe the conjuncture of circumstances that led to this meeting - a one in ten million chance. Had I travelled on the first bus, I would have missed them!

This was my best day in Slovenia!

Sources:

27 September 2024. cyclinguptodate.com

Major, Fin. Analysis: How did Slovenia become cycling's number one nation? found on cyclinguptodate.com