SPEECHES
Jože Mermal
The enthusiastic team of three organizers – Cycling Club Rog, the City Municipality of Ljubljana, and BTC Company – is already brimming with anticipation for the grand cycling celebration. In June, cyclists of all generations from numerous countries will once again test their skills on routes of varying difficulty.
“The enthusiastic team of three organizers – Cycling Club Rog, the City Municipality of Ljubljana, and BTC Company – is already brimming with anticipation for the grand cycling celebration. In June, cyclists of all generations from numerous countries will once again test their skills on routes of varying difficulty.
Franja has been continuously held since 1982. Marathon Franja has resonated globally as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, comprising 28 of the most prestigious marathons worldwide. Every year, in addition to thousands of cyclists on the routes, we also look forward to the enthusiastic crowds of spectators along the route.
Let’s not forget Franja’s special mission. It doesn’t only come to life for two days a year when Slovenian roads buzz with bicycles but leaves its mark throughout the entire year. It serves as a launching pad for global stars of Slovenian origin. Hence, the slogan “From Franja to Tour” rightfully positions it as the cradle of Slovenian cycling champions… and championesses.
I am particularly proud that Franja is also contributing to the development of women’s cycling. With the support of BTC Company, KD Rog established a cycling school for young girls years ago and this year, once again, the youth and professional team BTC City Ljubljana SCOTT was formed, challenging the global competition on European roads. Through joint efforts, we are nurturing a new generation of young female cyclists and fostering the development of women’s cycling. Our goal is to see it spread its wings and surpass the current 25% participation of women in Franja.”
mag. Damjan Kralj
The stories born at the Franja BTC City Marathon are sports, personal and business, local and international, stories of tradition, dedication and integration. They are inspired by the determination of cyclists who compete to get their ticket for the World Amateur Cyclist Championship.
The stories born at the Franja BTC City Marathon are sports, personal and business, local and international, stories of tradition, dedication and integration. They are inspired by the determination of cyclists who compete to get their ticket for the World Amateur Cyclist Championship. And with the enthusiasm of the children who set off their bike for the first time along the track of this cycling holiday. The story of organizers, volunteers and supporters of the event is unique. They selflessly contribute that the cycling fairytale Franja lives, develops and defies all challenges. A special inspiration is the story of smiling fans who accompany the riders along the routes and motivate cyclists to win new personal victories.
Helena Petrin
Dear cycling enthusiasts, colleagues, partners, and supporters of the Maraton Franja BTC City. With great pride and satisfaction, I have been a supporter of our esteemed cycling marathon for many years. Maraton Franja BTC City has been a synonym for passion, perseverance, and community connection for decades, as reflected each spring when a cycling multitude descends upon the route of this prestigious event.
Dear cycling enthusiasts, colleagues, partners, and supporters of the Maraton Franja BTC City,
With great pride and satisfaction, I have been a supporter of our esteemed cycling marathon for many years. Maraton Franja BTC City has been a synonym for passion, perseverance, and community connection for decades, as reflected each spring when a cycling multitude descends upon the route of this prestigious event.
Our journey has been filled with exceptional moments and significant achievements. Over the years, we have built a strong community that transcends the borders of Slovenia, becoming one of the key events on the European cycling calendar. We are proud of our collective efforts, which have transformed Maraton Franja BTC City into more than just a sports event; it has become a symbol of mutual respect, a healthy lifestyle, and an immense community spirit.
Throughout the years, we have proven that, despite challenges, we can provide an outstanding experience for every participant. Our commitment to continuous improvements in this well-recognized European competition has ensured that each marathon is not just a sports event but a celebration of cycling for all participants, regardless of age or physical fitness, and for the people who enthusiastically follow it along the entire route.
My excitement and joy are heightened when I consider the broader spectrum of the marathon, impacting the rise of programs for young cyclists, promoting sustainable mobility, and charitable initiatives that are essential parts of our identity. Through these activities, we not only promote cycling as a sport but also as a way of life contributing to a healthier and more connected society.
Now, as we look towards the future, we are focused on further developing and growing Maraton Franja BTC City. Our goal is to continue improving the participants’ experiences, expanding our influence, and contributing to the global cycling community. I sincerely hope that, on this exciting journey, we will continue together and continually enhance the successful story called Maraton Franja BTC City.
I express my gratitude to all organizers who ensure the flawless execution of the marathon, to all cyclists participating, and to those eagerly following, supporting, and anticipating the marathon. I only wish that the community of cyclists, supporters of cycling, and organizers of our Franja continue to grow and evolve, making us even larger, more connected, and continuing to cycle on the path of excellence, innovation, and community solidarity.
Zoran Janković
Ljubljana is a cycling town in which Marathon Franja plays a very special role. Every year, I look forward to the weekend at the beginning of June, when cyclists of all generations gather for this exceptional cycling event. The energy that recreational cyclists carry with them is amazing, and every time I admire their entuhusiasm when they are preparing for the start, but I am especially impressed by their friendships and sincere joy when they meet the next year, revive memories and look forward to new cycling adventures together.
Ljubljana is a cycling town in which Marathon Franja plays a very special role. Every year, I look forward to the weekend at the beginning of June, when cyclists of all generations gather for this exceptional cycling event. The energy that recreational cyclists carry with them is amazing, and every time I admire their entuhusiasm when they are preparing for the start, but I am especially impressed by their friendships and sincere joy when they meet the next year, revive memories and look forward to new cycling adventures together.
Cycling is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly form of mobility, which is why we encourage both everyday and recreational cycling in Ljubljana, and of course we must not forget about top athletes on two wheels, among whom I must mention the members of the first Slovenian professional women’s cycling team, BTC City Ljubljana, who achieve outstanding results on European and global scale.
Ljubljana is a beautiful city that offers many possibilities for cycling. We are constantly expanding and upgrading the cycling infrastructure, and when renovating roads, we arrange suitable areas for cyclists. We are aware that the safety of all road users comes first, but at the same time with additional cycling opportunities we attract even more of our citizens of all generations, thus ensuring a healthy and active lifestyle from the youngest ones and onwards.
Andrej Hauptman
Cycling club KD Rog Ljubljana has an incredibly rich history. It has been active for no less than 74 years. Throughout the decades of training and educating talented young riders, the club has nurtured many big names from the world of cycling while also winning two medals, one at the World Championships and one at the Olympics. We members of the club are very proud of it, especially of the fantastic results achieved by one of our former riders, Tadej Pogačar, in the past four seasons. The club consists of the men’s continental team Gusto Santic, the women’s junior and elite continental team BTC City Ljubljana Scott and the youth and junior team Pogi Team UAE Generali.
Cycling club KD Rog Ljubljana has an incredibly rich history. It has been active for no less than 74 years. Throughout the decades of training and educating talented young riders, the club has nurtured many big names from the world of cycling while also winning two medals, one at the World Championships and one at the Olympics. We members of the club are very proud of it, especially of the fantastic results achieved by one of our former riders, Tadej Pogačar, in the past four seasons. The club consists of the men’s continental team Gusto Santic, the women’s junior and elite continental team BTC City Ljubljana Scott and the youth and junior team Pogi Team UAE Generali.
More than that, KD Rog has proved itself as a great organiser of events and bike races, the crowning achievement among them being Marathon Franja, the biggest Slovenian festival of cycling for amateur and recreational cyclists – and a story Gorazd Penko and his team have been writing successfully for over two decades. Franja is special. Just as Slovenian competitive cycling kept growing in terms of race results, Franja kept growing in terms of its level of organisation. It became interesting for foreigners, and international participation in it keeps increasing every year.
Many believe that Franja is a race, though it is actually whatever you want it to be. If you feel good, you can ride a bit faster, if not, a little slower. But most importantly, it is special because you can enjoy a carefree ride on closed roads. Given today’s infrastructure and traffic conditions, this is a huge privilege. Those who want to do so can race Franja as professionals, and those who don’t can enjoy a moderate, relaxed ride. There is a route for everyone: a kilometre and a half long bike challenge for kids, Barjanka for fans of gravel sections and thicker tires, the Family and School Marathon for families on bikes, and the Little and Big Marathon Franja for amateur and recreational cyclists, who can choose the shorter or longer route depending on their fitness.
Since 2021, Franja has been taking place under the motto “From Franja to the Tour,” which combines two of the biggest stories in the history of cycling club KD Rog, Marathon Franja and the historic first Slovenian victory in the Tour de France by Tadej Pogačar. Tadej rode Marathon Franja in the Rog jersey quite a few times. As part of the youth and junior teams he even had to help pack the riders’ start packages. Then he became a professional cyclist and won the Tour. But he never forgot about his roots and has been giving back to the community by supporting cycling club Rog’s young talents and forming the Pogi Team. This has been a growingly positive story ever since Tadej decided to support the club and show that he still knows where it all started for him. It has attracted the attention of an incredible number of young people, among whom cycling keeps growing in popularity. And this isn’t true only of KD Rog and the Pogi Team, but Slovenia in general. Still, we have to stay conscious of the fact that nothing should be taken for granted and that we always have to make an effort for a project to be successful. So that our clubs will keep improving just as the results of the best Slovenian cyclists. Moreover, we want the club to be a sort of school for life, so that we, too, can take part in young people’s education besides their parents. So that young people may get to know through us what is healthy and important in life, including hard work, discipline, and everyday exercise. And Marathon Franja is nothing other than some welcome and safe exercise on closed roads, and an opportunity to spend time together actively in beautiful nature. A happy and safe Franja to you all!
Gorazd Penko
Many say that the Maraton Franja BTC City event is somewhat routine, and after many years, everything is done more or less effortlessly. However, dear cycling enthusiasts, my response is quickly negating, as an event like Franja demands its time every year. Moreover, as organizers, we always strive to add something new. Therefore, as the director of the marathon, Franja is a special challenge for me every year, even if nothing new were to happen at the event.
Many say that the Maraton Franja BTC City event is somewhat routine, and after many years, everything is done more or less effortlessly. However, dear cycling enthusiasts, my response is quickly negating, as an event like Franja demands its time every year. Moreover, as organizers, we always strive to add something new. Therefore, as the director of the marathon, Franja is a special challenge for me every year, even if nothing new were to happen at the event.
When we participate with the BTC CITY Ljubljana women’s cycling team in the biggest cycling races around the world, we notice that even abroad, there is a tendency to add extra spice to already challenging cycling races. Often, this involves introducing even more challenging climbs or increasingly celebrated gravel sections. This is currently the trend in the world of global cycling. And this trend will also be followed by the Maraton Franja event. Yes, it’s true. In the past, we complained about the gravel section to Kladje and then onwards to Sovodenj and Trebija. Today, such a section would be a unique attraction and challenge.
In this context, we must also remember the founders of the marathon, who paved the way for recreational and competitive cycling in our country. Recently, we bid farewell to Janez Winkler, who played a very important role in the entire history of the marathon. Upon parting with the founders of the Maraton Franja, one slowly begins to realize how courageous the ideas were at that time, which later proved to be exceptionally significant today.
Our task is to preserve and continue the tradition of the cycling Maraton Franja, as it forms the foundation for the operation of competitive and recreational cycling. The trio of Tone Fornezzi Tof and sadly the late Zvone Zanoškar and Janez Winkler probably did not realize the significance the marathon would have for Slovenian cycling and KD Rog at that time.
Therefore, I invite you to embark on this wonderful cycling journey together, which will take us through the picturesque landscapes of our country and allow us to experience an unforgettable adventure with cycling enthusiasts.
