“Mala Planica” – that’s the Slovenian cycling ace Primož Roglič said that he wants to see today’s brutal mountain time trial on Svete Visar, which will give the winner of the 106th Tour of Italy. Due to the proximity of the Slovenian border, fans flock to the track from various directions since morning – of course, the majority of them are those with Slovenian flags, who are already impatiently waiting for the start of the Slovenian cyclist and are increasingly on their heels.

Among them is also Anže Lanišek. “I believe that today Primož is able to show what he knows best on difficult slopes and I hope that he manages to bring it in the pink shirt. Even if he doesn’t make it, I think we can all be proud of him because he’s just a great man and a great athlete and I was happy to come to support him,” said the Slovenian ski jumper, who positioned himself a few hundred meters before the finish line, where he knows that the cycling champion will need the most support.

“I think that due to all the falls, bad luck and what happened to Roglič, all of Slovenia allows him to succeed and win,” one of the hot fans shared for Val 202. “I want him to do his best to show what he’s capable of, and at the same time I hope that the injury from a few days ago doesn’t hinder him. We know that he wants to keep his legs great,” another cycling enthusiast added hopefully, looking forward to today’s highlight.

Even some fans are panting for the slope

In Višarje, where at the peak of the season so far a maximum of five thousand visitors have been counted, today 15,000 people are expected. The weather also helps the visitors, as it is sunny but quite cold, so most of them wear long sleeves. Luka from Škofja Loka came to Svete Višare, which is 1,766 meters high, with a friend on foot. “For two hours, the path continues uphill, nothing is flat. The poisons left the body. I have never walked anywhere as steeply as today. We will encourage everyone, but especially Roglič,” he said to Val 202.

“All we expect from today is a crazy atmosphere and for Primož to win,” said one of Anža’s fans for Val 202, who accompanied Roglič on the serpentine at 2,300 meters above sea level with her friend Polona yesterday. Dressed in the colors of Jumbo Visma and with the Slovenian flag in hand, they announced that he would overtake his rival Geraint Thomas by one minute.

There are already a lot of Slovenian tricolors in the pilgrimage center, and there are also some Spanish and Belgian ones. There are already close to 1,000 people at the top, and there are still many hikers panting down the slope.

Pink color and Slovenian flags

In the valley, in Trbiž and its surroundings, everything is dressed in pink, all accommodations are occupied. “I’ve followed cycling before, when Valjavec, Koren, Brajkovič were riding, but mostly the Tour. This is the first time I’m on the route of a big race. The scenery is very beautiful, everything is very interesting,” said Sandi from Ljubljana for Val 202. “Even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined that our boys would ever be as good as Pogačar and Roglič are now. never,” he added enthusiastically. His son Rok added: “Soupsr is, can’t wait for it to start. Both my father and I are equally ardent fans.”

Earlier, another fan said: “Our preparations took a month, because we knew that Primož would definitely be at the top. We just waited for the Italians to tell us how everything would be organized. We went early in the morning. The parking lots are well marked. We’ll go to the top on foot otherwise , and of course equipped with all the props to give all the support to Primož – victory is ours.” Some strategized two months ago to secure a place where there are less people and they will see more.

Gregor from Trebnje told Val 202 that he and his friends decided to watch the first week of the Race around Italy live, “because they expect the success of Primož“. They intend to settle in Ovčja vas, where two large screens reign supreme, and in his opinion, there will also be a lot of action there.”I hope that Primož has enough in him to know that he can win.” the fan added.

The buses that go to the “crime scene” are extremely full. Many will go to the top on foot along the pilgrimage route, because three thousand tickets for the cable car to Višarje were sold out in one day. Due to the narrow road, access for spectators will be limited during the most difficult part of the time trial. 600 million people are expected to watch the event on television.

Otherwise, Roglič will not hit the track until after 5 p.m., which means that the fans will have plenty of time to socialize and cheer.