We are only days away from the 31st edition of the marathon Franja BTC CITY Museeuw Classic. In the past three decades, over 63,000 cyclists ranging from children to amateur and professional cyclists have taken on the challenge of the biggest amateur sports event in Slovenia. In the company BTC we are proud to be part of this traditional event and to see that even the International Cycling Federation has recognised its excellence by including the marathon Franja in the prestigious UCI World Cycling Tour series. Furthermore, the marathon is also part of the Alpe Adria Tour 2012 and the Schneekoppe Cup.

The marathon Franja BTC CITY is a celebration of cycling. Every year, it brings together everyone who enjoys riding through life at high speed – on their bike, of course. And our numbers are growing, every year there are more of us who believe cycling is healthy as well as fun. I am convinced that thanks to the excellent work of the organisers, everyone will enjoy their ride, no matter which course they choose and once we have crossed the finish line, there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss our experience, to chat about training, to relive memories and to say hello to friends and acquaintances.

For the first time ever, this year’s marathon Franja BTC CITY will last three days and we are very much looking forward to the most significant novelty – the individual time trial over 18km taking place on Friday that will be a welcome addition to the various activities taking place in the BTC CITY.

The marathon Franja BTC CITY is an event suitable for everyone, for those who have only just bought their first bike as well as for those for whom cycling is a way of life. Choose the course that is best suited to your level of fitness and join us: the marathon Franja BTC City (156km), the short course of the marathon Franja (97 km), the Club Polet school and family marathon (25 km), the BTC City trial for children (1500m) and the balance bike race for our youngest await you.

I am convinced that this year’s event will prove once again that Slovenes are a cycling nation. No matter what your goal is – whether you simply want to enjoy the course or you wish to test your abilities or even if you are aiming for victory – everyone is welcome at the marathon Franja BTC CITY. We will also be joined by two cycling legends, the Flandrian lion Johann Museeuw and the Italian Gilberto Simoni who are rolemodels for many cyclists and will definitely add some flair to the marathon.

I am looking forward to an excellent cycling event.

Jože Mermal, CEO BTC d.d.