10% climb of Možjanca set to play decisive role in UEC Road European Championships 2026 route in Slovenia

The 2026 UEC European Road Championships will take place in Slovenia, marking the first time the event is hosted in the home country of cycling stars Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič. Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, will serve as the central hub for the races, which are scheduled from October 2 to October 7. The championships will open with under-23 men’s and women’s road races and conclude with junior time trials, showcasing a broad spectrum of European cycling talent. A defining feature of the route is the challenging Možjanca climb, a 2.1-kilometre ascent averaging 10.2% gradient. This climb will be pivotal in shaping the race dynamics, with the elite women’s road race tackling it twice over a 130km course, while the elite men’s race will face it five times across nearly 200km. Slovenian rider Luka Mezgec highlighted the climb’s tactical significance, noting its steep final section and the undulating terrain that follows, which complicates regrouping and could influence race strategies. The time trials will also incorporate the Možjanca climb, following the same circuit as the road races but over a shorter 22km distance starting and finishing in Šenčur. Route designer Tomaž Poljanec explained that the course was deliberately made demanding and less favourable to pure time trial specialists, aiming to create a more open and unpredictable competition. This approach reflects a desire to test riders’ all-around abilities rather than just their power against the clock. Tadej Pogačar will defend his European road title on home soil, having secured the championship in 2023 by outpacing Remco Evenepoel. The event is expected to attract around 45 nations, underscoring the depth and quality of European cycling. UEC president Enrico Della Casa praised Slovenia’s cycling culture and expressed enthusiasm for hosting the championships, emphasising the country’s emergence as a powerhouse in the sport and the opportunity for European cycling to learn from its success.