Ljubljana - The 41st iteration of the Franja Marathon, the largest recreational and amateur cycling event in Slovenia, will take place this weekend, with the main event, the 156-km classic marathon Franja BTC City, scheduled for Sunday.

The festivities will start with a 72-km Barjanka race, which is shortened this year due to road work, followed by the 21-km Ikea family marathon, and a 1.2-km race for children.

In addition to the main race, which is part of the world series of marathons under the auspices of the International Cycling Union (UCI), Sunday's programme will also feature a short marathon (97 km) and the closing ceremony with awards.

Franja Marathon director Gorazd Penko, a former cyclist, is happy that the event will be held this year without coronavirus-related restrictions, and is convinced that this year's iteration will be the best ever.

After the number of participants reached 2,500 last year, the number is expected to be slightly higher this year, and foreigners are also returning to the Franja Marathon, with last year's winner, Dutch Johnny Hoogerland, to return.