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Omrzel and Eržen Gear Up for Tour of Slovenia Amidst Strong International Field
🇸🇮 Slovenia /Sports

Omrzel and Eržen Gear Up for Tour of Slovenia Amidst Strong International Field

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The 32nd Tour of Slovenia cycling race will feature two World Tour teams and a strong field of competitors.
  • Slovenian champion Jakob Omrzel is a top contender, while rider Žak Eržen will compete in Denmark before the home race.
  • The race route includes challenging climbs, with the Vršič ascent being a key highlight before the traditional finish.

The 32nd edition of the Tour of Slovenia is set to commence with an exciting stage between Velenje and Rogaška Slatina. Although only two World Tour teams are participating this year, the overall field promises a highly competitive race. Slovenia's national champion, Jakob Omrzel, will wear the number one bib and openly aims for a high overall ranking.

This will be my first race after a long time, and I also had some knee problems in between, so I will participate without too much pressure.

— Žak ErženDiscussing his expectations for the Copenhagen Sprint after a period of recovery.

Within the Bahrain Victorious team, Omrzel will be joined by young sprinter and close friend Žak Eržen. Eržen has an opportunity to surprise on stages that conclude with a large group sprint. Before the Tour of Slovenia, Eržen will compete in the second edition of the Copenhagen Sprint one-day classic in Denmark. He views this race as a crucial step in his preparation for the latter half of the season, especially after recovering from knee issues.

"This will be my first race after a long time, and I also had some knee problems in between, so I will participate without too much pressure," Eržen stated. "This is a good race that will help me prepare again for the next part of the season, of course, I still want to strive for the best possible result. Regarding my form, I'm not entirely sure where I stand yet, so I'll see during the race. Based on training at home, I feel I'm in good shape and look forward to racing again." He also expressed confidence in his team's strength and familiarity.

This is a good race that will help me prepare again for the next part of the season, of course, I still want to strive for the best possible result.

— Žak ErženExplaining the importance of the Copenhagen Sprint for his season preparation.

The race route features challenging terrain, including the ascent to Celjska Koča on the third day. The penultimate stage, culminating in a climb up Vršič and a descent into Kranjska Gora, is expected to be the race's climax. Meanwhile, Slovenian cycling fans will also be following the Tour of Switzerland, which overlaps with the Tour of Slovenia, featuring stars Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič.

Based on training at home, I feel I'm in good shape and look forward to racing again.

— Žak ErženAssessing his current physical condition ahead of the race.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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