Franja Marathon Celebrates 45 Years, Expects 6,000 Cyclists

The Franja Marathon, Slovenia's premier cycling celebration, marks its 45th year, drawing an anticipated crowd of over 6,000 cyclists and 100,000 spectators. This event, which began in 1982, has expanded beyond its founders' wildest dreams.

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Franja is the summer Planica.

"Franja is the summer Planica," remarked Tone Fornezzi – Tof, the 92-year-old ideator of the marathon, drawing a parallel to Slovenia's famous ski jumping venue. The event offers seven distinct routes, allowing participants of all abilities to achieve their cycling goals. Gorazd Penko, the director for the past 25 years, highlighted the marathon's spirit: "I've come to love Franja's context: that it's a solidarity-based, respectful, very social, and companionable event. People love it, they've embraced it, and through it, they've embraced mass cycling."

Jože Mermal, chairman of BTC's management board and the marathon's organizing committee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event's strong community ties. He noted the marathon's recognition makes it easier to attract sponsors. Damjan Kralj, BTC's chief executive director, who has been involved for over two decades, expressed satisfaction with the marathon's status as a nationally and even globally recognized project. "Potential sponsors don't need much explanation; they know it and support it," Kralj stated.

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I've come to love Franja's context: that it's a solidarity-based, respectful, very social, and companionable event. People love it, they've embraced it, and through it, they've embraced mass cycling.

A unique aspect of this year's celebration is the spotlight on nine "legends", Roman Blatnik, Ljubo Dobaj, Dušan Dobnikar, Jože Dovžan, Ivan Ertl, Bojan Mandeljc, Konrad Merlak, Andrej Repovš, and Ferdinand Vičič, who have participated in every single Franja Marathon since its inception in 1982. A special supplement in Delo newspaper will introduce these dedicated cyclists. The article also briefly mentions the Partizanska bolnica Franja, damaged by storms in 2023, which is participating in the event.

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Potential sponsors don't need much explanation; they know it and support it.