The cross-border cycling tour Kras Carso Classic was presented in its first edition as a unique tribute to the Karst landscape and the tradition of classic cycling. Participants set off on the route with vintage bicycles and clothing, giving the event a distinctly historical character and highlighting the cultural heritage of the area that stretches across the Slovenian-Italian border.
The route started in Opčine, continued past Col, Dol pri Vogljah, Dutovlje, Krajna vas, Komen, Gorjansko, Praprot, Samatorca and Salež, then led through Zgonik and Prosek to the famous Napoleon Road, which offered one of the most scenic sections of the tour. The ride concluded back in Opčine.
In stable, sunny weather, 55 cyclists took part in the event, which represents an important encouragement for the first edition. The participation was distinctly international: 41 cyclists from Italy, 8 from Slovenia, 4 from Austria, and one participant each from the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Participants highlighted the well-prepared route, the thoughtful organization, and the added value of cycling with vintage bicycles through an area that functions as a unified Karst world, regardless of the state border. The cross-border dimension was one of the event’s central messages, as the tour clearly demonstrated how interconnected the Karst is as a shared living, cultural, and natural space.
The event took place within the framework of the Kras – Carso II project, co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme. It was promoted by LAS Kras – GAL Carso in cooperation with ORA Krasa in Brkinov, the Municipality of Sežana, PromoTurismoFVG, and other partners of the Kras – Carso II project.
The organizers extend their thanks to all participants, volunteers, and partners. The successful first edition confirms the potential for the Kras Carso Classic to become a regular event and further strengthen cross-border sports and tourism cooperation.
