On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Komenda became the most cycling-friendly town in Slovenia. As part ofthe 7th Tadej Pogačar Cup,an attractive criterium race was held for all age categories – from the youngest boys and girls to juniors, young women and men in the elite categories. The highlight of the day was the evening start of the senior race, which also featured four-time Tour de France winnerTadej Pogačar, a local resident. According to estimates, around5,000 visitors gathered, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with their thunderous cheering.

The race, which in previous years was usually held at the end of June, was postponed to August this year, as Tadej wanted to be able to participate himself and invite his cycling friends. In addition, this year it was held on a new route for the first time – from the Komenda Business Zone to the very center of the town. The start was in front of the municipal building, at the famous yellow-pink roundabout, and the finish was at the top of a short climb in front of the church.

In the elite category, cyclists had to complete35 laps. In addition to Pogačar, his teammate Pavel Sivakov,Matteo Trentin(Tudor Procycling Team),Matej MohoričandMatevž Govekar(both Bahrain Victorious), andLuka Mezgec(Jayco AIUIa), who has already won the race three times. Tadej Pogačar won Saturday's senior race, with Luka Mezgec in second place and Matteo Trentin in third.

Statements by participants

Before the race, Tadej Pogačarsaid:

"Now I'm rested and ready for new battles." He added:

“I am happy to be back home, to see my friends, neighbors, and family. It is true that sometimes I wish I were a little less famous—sometimes having my picture taken and signing autographs is exhausting, other times less so, but I try to accommodate everyone.”

After the event, event managerMartin Krašeksaid:

“We have had a physically, mentally, and emotionally intense weekend behind us, which, in my opinion, turned out according to the most optimistic scenario. After a real shock at the first meeting, I saw that our team had stepped into much bigger shoes than we had imagined... but in the end, we SUCCEEDED.”

Matteo Trentin(Tudor Procycling Team) also added his opinion:

“A wonderful evening in Komenda celebrating a local legend. Thank you, Tadej, for inviting me—it’s always a pleasure. To all the guys who made sure this race was tougher than the last stage in Paris, and to the people who brought such good energy—you were incredible.”

Acknowledgements from the organizers

The Rog Cycling Club and both teams,Pogi TeamandPika Team, would like to express their sincere gratitude to every individual and organization that proactively contributed to the event with their knowledge, experience, and patience. Special thanks go tothe municipal leadershipof Komenda for their excellent connection with the local community and coordination of key activities, the municipal administration team for providing suitable facilities, and everyone who took care of the security, guidance, and safety of visitors, competitors, and the venue.

Thanks also go to everyone who ensured flawless communication between teams in the field, professional coordination of firefighters, traffic wardens, and other security services, appropriate traffic management, road closures, signage, and other areas, as well as catering and a pleasant atmosphere at the event venue.

Special thanks also go to our mentor Miha Koncilija, who inspires all of us in the club with his dedication and kindness—and we believe many of you as well.

Sponsors

Sincere thanks to all race sponsors:Tadej Pogačar Official Online Store, Municipality of Komenda, Lestroj, Pissei, Mizarstvo Ravnohrib, Generali, MDM, Iziprint, Komteks, A2U, SIQ Ljubljana, Ambrož, Vrtnarstvo Gašperlin, Mastercard, Dinit, Mapei, Tim Pavlin, Tesarstvo Krovstvo Štebe, T Dent Dental Clinic, Logaj Projects, Ljubljanske mlekarne, Krili, Taptom, El TT, Komenda Equestrian Club, and all sponsors ofthe Pogi TeamandPika Team:Tadej Pogačar, UAE, Generali, Mastercard, Dinit, DM, Municipality of Ljubljana, Ljubljana is Sport, Mapei, MDM, Factor Racing, Enervit, I feel Slovenia, Pissei, Continental, Berk, Met, A2U, Jana, Scicon, Carthago, DMT, Enve, Miche, Craft – moj sport.si, Colnago, Telekom, Peugeot, Avtotehna Vis, OleaEuropea.

Accompanying program

In addition to the race, visitors were treated to a varied accompanying program with stands: Catering Korbarwith excellent food and drinks,the Mastercard tentwith activities where visitors could try out a trainer, spin the wheel of fortune, and win practical prizes, Zavod Škrateljc and Lumarselling the bookPogi in Pika, 10% of the proceeds of which go to the Tadej Pogačar Foundation,Oblak Activewearselling Tadej Pogačar brand clothing, Stow kava, which donated the proceeds from sales to the Vida charity project and the Tadej Pogačar Foundation,Torticawith soft-serve ice cream, andCitron with popcorn and helium balloons.

7. The Tadej Pogačar Cuphas once again demonstrated that sport brings people together, creates unforgettable stories, and brings energy, pride, and inspiration to the local community.