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Maraton Franja's Family Ride Draws Over 2600 Cyclists
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Slovenia /Culture & Society

Maraton Franja's Family Ride Draws Over 2600 Cyclists

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The 45th annual Maraton Franja cycling event celebrated its family and school marathon, attracting over 2600 participants of all ages.
  • The 25-kilometer route from BTC to Domลพale and back saw a diverse group of cyclists, from toddlers to seniors, enjoying closed roads and community support.
  • The event emphasized cycling etiquette and community spirit, offering a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.

The 45th Maraton Franja celebrated its enduring legacy with a vibrant family and school marathon, drawing over 2600 participants for a festive 25-kilometer ride. The event, which has grown from its 1982 origins into a three-day cycling festival, saw cyclists of all ages, from toddlers on child seats to seniors, enjoying the closed roads from BTC to Domลพale and back.

Zvone Zanoลกkar, a key figure in the early days of the Kolesarsko druลกtvo Rog, initially questioned the idea of a marathon on challenging terrain. However, the event's popularity, with over 7000 participants in total across its various stages, has proven its widespread appeal. The family-focused marathon highlighted a strong sense of community, with locals cheering and supporting the cyclists along the route.

Every year we come and luckily the weather is always so nice. For us, this is a nice family afternoon that we spend actively and in the company of friends.

โ€” a motherDescribing the family's enjoyment of the event and the pleasant weather.

Many participants expressed their enjoyment of the event as a family outing, appreciating the active engagement and the unique experience of riding on temporarily closed roads. The atmosphere was further enhanced by local support, with residents offering cheers and encouragement. The event also served as an informal lesson in cycling etiquette, with parents guiding their children on safe riding practices within a large group.

While some younger participants sported jerseys from professional teams like Pogi Team and UAE, the marathon's essence remained that of a celebratory cycling tour rather than a competitive race. The Maraton Franja continues to be a significant event, fostering a love for cycling across generations and creating a memorable experience for thousands.

Look ahead of you, overtake on the left, but look before you pull out, keep a safe distance, don't weave.

โ€” instructorGiving cycling safety and etiquette instructions to participants during the family marathon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.