Great race, great scenery: The Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike at the heart of Stage Two of the Tour of Slovenia 2026
The Tour of Slovenia is the largest stage cycling race in Slovenia and one of the country’s most important sporting events. Each year, it attracts top domestic and international cyclists, while also showcasing Slovenia’s diverse landscapes, towns, and the vibrant atmosphere along the route. This year’s 32nd edition will take place from 17 to 21 June 2026 and will once again connect different parts of the country.
An important part of this year’s route runs through the regions of Koroška and Štajerska, with a particular focus on the area along the Drava River. This part of Slovenia is also defined by Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike, one of the most recognizable cycling routes in the country, connecting destinations along the Drava and offering a unique cycling experience through diverse landscapes.
Stage Two of the Tour of Slovenia 2026: Radlje ob Dravi – Ormož
The second stage of this year’s race will take place on Thursday, 18 June 2026, running from Radlje ob Dravi to Ormož. Its route will largely follow Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike, giving it a distinctive character.
The opening section of the stage will pass through settlements along the Drava River, where the Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike has for many years connected nature, movement, and experiences by the water. From Radlje ob Dravi to Ormož, the second stage will also connect stage partners: Duplek, Podvelka, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Selnica ob Dravi, Ruše, Starše, Hajdina, Miklavž na Dravskem polju, Ptuj, Markovci, Gorišnica, Cirkulane, Zavrč and Središče ob Dravi.
Although professional cyclists will ride on public roads, the stage clearly highlights the area of Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike and the entire region with its excellent cycling conditions.
The stage will be 176.8 kilometres long and will be marked by a relatively fast opening along the Drava and a more demanding finale. After a flat start, the profile will gradually become more challenging, with the decisive climb across the Jeruzalem Hills, which often delivers an exciting and dynamic finish. A sprint finish of a larger group of riders is also expected this year.
The start and finish venues are also of special significance. Radlje ob Dravi will host a stage for the first time, while Ormož will serve as the finish location for the third consecutive year. The stage thus connects the Koroška and Štajerska parts and highlights the characteristic landscape along the Drava River, from the river valley to the wine-growing hills.
The second stage will therefore be one of the most recognizable stages of this year’s Tour of Slovenia, marked by the area of the Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike, the Drava River, and the diverse landscapes of Koroška and Štajerska.
The third stage of the race starts in Maribor
Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike will remain in focus of the Tour of Slovenia even after the second stage. The following day, the cycling caravan will gather in Maribor, where Stage Three will begin, further highlighting the importance of the Drava River area within this year’s race. Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike area is thus not only part of the route, but also a recognizable setting for sporting events, cycling, and experiences along the Drava.
