The 32nd Tour of Slovenia gets underway on June 17 and concludes five days later in Novo mesto.

Covering 800 kilometres across five days and featuring more than 11,000 metres of elevation gain, this year’s edition is highlighted by the return of Vršič after 13 years.

Team Bahrain Victorious will be led by Jakob Omrzel, supported by Alberto Bruttomesso, Roman Ermakov, Fran Miholjević, Edoardo Zambanini, Oliver Stockwell and Max van der Meulen.

The race begins in Velenje for the first time, with an opening stage to Rogaška Slatina featuring an undulating route and two finishing circuits around the spa town, which traditionally hosts stage finishes.

Stage 2 takes the riders from Radlje ob Dravi to Ormož. Although expected to suit the sprinters, the rolling terrain and climb through Jerusalem near the finish could make for an unpredictable finale.

The third stage starts in Maribor and finishes in Celje. While the shortest stage of the race, it includes two demanding climbs: part of the ascent towards Rogla and the traditional climb to Celjska koča from Laško. This year, the finish will be located in the city centre rather than in front of Celje Castle.

Attention will then turn to the queen stage and the return of Vršič, which is expected to play a major role in the battle for the general classification.

“The fourth stage is already one that gives me a lot of satisfaction and motivation, and we can talk about fighting for the general classification. We all know that one stage has always been reserved for the best in the mountains. Vršič is a very beautiful climb, the places are also very beautiful, and I’m happy that we will be taking this stage around Slovenia,” said Jakob Omrzel about the queen stage.

The final stage once again concludes in Novo mesto, where riders will face the steep ascent of Trška Gora before the finish. The climb is the last of five on the day, following approximately 2,000 metres of elevation gain.

Sport Director Borut Božič said before the race: “We have a good team. There are only two WorldTour teams at the start, and the team that will be on our radar will be Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. We will try to sprint well with the sprinters in the first two stages, and then the very demanding third and fourth stages will follow. Especially on the fourth, which is more demanding, Jakob will show how well prepared he is. The third and fifth stages are tailored to Edoardo, and he will show how good he is. We will do our best to show the Bahrain jersey in the best light.”

Jakob Omrzel commented: “Being at the start of a major domestic race again is an extraordinary feeling. If you have been following this race with wide eyes since you were a child, you certainly have a desire to achieve success there, so the team and I have prepared very well and are heading to the start with joy and great desire. This year’s route is a little more demanding than last year, which suits me much better.”