Around Slovakia
The Tour of Slovakia is entering its 69th year. After a short break, the city of Košice will once again be one of the nine stage locations of this year's race. Specifically, it will be the finish city of the 2nd stage. As many as 4 mountain stages and 1 speed bonus are tentatively planned on the route of the second stage. In 2025, this most important cycling event in Slovakia will also offer fans across the country attractive stages, dramatic battles between world-class teams and the opportunity to show the beauties of Slovakia to millions of spectators at home and abroad.
After a break in broadcasting on Eurosport, there is a high probability that the race will return to its screens in 2025, which would ensure that the race will be watched by millions of viewers in dozens of countries. Eurosport traditionally offers a visually attractive presentation of cycling and the regions along the route - and therefore a unique opportunity to show Košice as a wonderful tourist destination.
This year's edition of the Around Slovakia race will run from east to west and offer a diverse mix of profiles. The race route will lead across six regions of Slovakia - from Prešov, through Košice, Banská Bystrica, Nitra, Trnava and Trenčín.
The competitors will complete a total of 795.2 kilometers divided into five stages: Bardejov - Bardejov | 140.2 km, Svidník - Košice | 170.2 km, Kežmarok - Banská Bystrica | 191.7 km, Vráble - Sládkovičovo | 169.1 km and finally Nová Dubnica - Kohútka | 124 km.
The peloton will pass through more than 80 Slovak cities and towns. Exciting battles for points in both the sprint and mountain races are expected, which will add a lot of dynamism to each day.
Despite the fact that the UCI calendar is growing year by year, the organizers have managed to secure the participation of several leading teams. Among the World Tour teams, Soudal Quick-Step, Visma Lease e Bike and Jayco AlUla have already confirmed their participation. Decisions from Intermarché-Wanty, Arkéa B&B Hotels and Bahrain Victorious are still expected by the end of May.
Pro teams Lotto, Unibet Tietema Rockets, with Slovak rider Lukáš Kubiš, Solution Tech Vini Fantini and Novo Nordisk have confirmed their participation. The organizers are still awaiting a decision from the Spanish team Euskaltel Euskadi.
In addition to the seven World Tour and Pro teams that have already signed a binding contract, ten continental teams have also confirmed their participation. From around twenty other interested parties, a line-up will still be selected so that 140 riders will line up in 20 seven-member teams at the start in Bardejov.