Thousands of cyclists will take to the roads of Ljubljana and central Slovenia this weekend as the Maraton Franja BTC City returns for its 45th edition from June 12 to 14, 2026. Recognized as the largest and oldest recreational cycling event in Slovenia, the marathon offers seven routes of varying difficulty for everyone from professional amateurs to families with children.
Starting and finishing at BTC City in Ljubljana, the event has grown from a local recreational ride into an internationally recognized cycling festival. Since 2010, it has been part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, serving as a qualification race for the Amateur World Championship. This year’s edition is expected to draw participants from across Slovenia and abroad, all sporting custom cycling kits, team jerseys, and event merchandise.
A Weekend of Cycling Across Seven Routes
The program kicks off on Friday, June 12, with a time trial from Ljubljana to Domžale and back. Saturday features the NLB Barjanka, a 77-kilometer panoramic route through the Ljubljana Marshes, followed by the Medex Family and School Marathon. Sunday brings the main event: the 157-kilometer Maraton Franja BTC City and the 97-kilometer Triglav Mini Marathon, both winding through the scenic hills and valleys west of Ljubljana toward Idrija, Cerkno, and Škofja Loka.
For the youngest participants, the Vzajemni Children’s Cycling Challenge takes place at BTC City, along with the Ljubljanski Zmaj MTB Challenge for off-road enthusiasts. Each route represents a significant opportunity for custom apparel, with participants often requiring personalized team jerseys, commemorative event t-shirts, and moisture-wicking cycling kits.
Apparel and Custom Printing Opportunities
Events like Maraton Franja are a prime opportunity for custom printed apparel. Cycling teams, corporate sponsors, and community groups participating in the marathon regularly order bulk custom jerseys, bibs, and event t-shirts. For printing businesses in Ljubljana and across Slovenia, this annual event generates consistent demand for sublimation-printed cycling wear, screen-printed cotton tees, and embroidered caps and accessories.
With thousands of riders across seven routes, the 45th Maraton Franja represents one of the largest single-weekend opportunities for custom apparel in the Slovenian sporting calendar. Local print shops and apparel decorators often see a surge in orders leading up to the event, from small batches for amateur clubs to bulk runs for corporate entries.
Road Closures and Logistics
Organizers have announced extensive temporary road closures across Ljubljana and the surrounding municipalities throughout the weekend. Drivers are advised to use designated detours and allow extra travel time. The largest disruptions will occur on Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM along the main route through Vrhnika, Logatec, Godovič, Idrija, Cerkno, and Škofja Loka. Key highway exits including Vodice and Ljubljana Bežigrad will also be temporarily closed.
For spectators, the finish line area at BTC City in Ljubljana offers the best vantage point to cheer on riders as they complete their journeys. Whether you’re riding, supporting, or printing the gear, Maraton Franja 2026 is a highlight of the Slovenian summer calendar.