Together with eleven municipalities across Central Slovenia and Gorenjska, Ljubljana will host the 2026 UEC Road European Championships from 2 to 7 October 2026, the largest cycling event held in Slovenia since the country gained independence.
Over six days, more than 800 riders from over 50 countries will compete in 14 road races, individual time trials and mixed team relays. The programme includes junior, under 23 and elite categories.
Three road races will start in the heart of Ljubljana, at Congress Square:
- Friday, 2 October, at 13:30: Men’s Under 23 Road Race, 141.9 km
- Saturday, 3 October, at 13:30: Women’s Elite Road Race, 130 km
- Sunday, 4 October, at 12:30: Men’s Elite Road Race, 196.3 km
Each Ljubljana race will begin with a nine kilometre neutralised section through the city centre, passing the Triple Bridge before continuing along Šubičeva ulica, Bleiweisova cesta and Celovška cesta to the official start in Šentvid.
The routes will link Ljubljana with Škofja Loka, Kranj, Kamnik and other destinations across Central Slovenia and Gorenjska before finishing in Šenčur. The European titles will be decided on a demanding 22.1 kilometre finishing circuit featuring the steep climb to Možjanca, where gradients reach up to 15.8 per cent. The men’s under 23 race will complete three finishing laps, the women’s elite race two and the men’s elite race five.
Spectators can watch the races free of charge along the route.
