KRANJSKA GORA (SLOVENIA) TO HOST THE 2018 IMBA EUROPE SUMMIT

The IMBA Europe Summit 2018 will be hosted by the destination of Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) from 20 – 22 of April 2018. Slovenia earned the title of ‘best European mountain biking community 2017’ after recruiting most volunteers per head of capita for trail work sessions during the pan-European Take Care of Your Trails Weekend.   Kranjska Gora was selected among eleven Slovenian cycling destinations. All of them showed interest in hosting the event, which proves serious intentions for the development of mountain biking in Slovenia. The strong Slovenian mountain bike community is one of the pillars of sustainable development of cycling tourism in Slovenia, which is the first certified green country in the world. The destination Kranjska Gora is the recipient of the Slovenia Green certificate. Slovenska Kolesarska Mreža (Slovenian Cyclist Network), Odprimopoti.si (Slovenian MTB consortium) and the municipality of Kranjska Gora will join forces to host the event. Right time, right place ‘Bringing the IMBA Europe Summit to Slovenia will have a positive impact on the development of the Slovenian mountain biking story in all its diversity and connectedness. It’s not just about promoting our country as mountain bike destination, but even more importantly, raising awareness and changing politics while being on our way to become one of the role models in Europe’, said  Peter Dakskobler, representative of the Slovenian MTB consortium. ‘We were impressed by the vibrant mountain bike community in Slovenia and all advocacy efforts that have been carried out the last few years to work on a less restrictive and more contemporary legislative framework for mountain bike access. As board, we believe Slovenia build up the right momentum to host the IMBA Europe Summit and we’re looking forward to our collaboration to deliver a successful summit in Kranjska Gora’, said Thomas Larsen Schmidt, IMBA Europe’s president. The IMBA Europe Summit program includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, site visits, panel discussions, networking, social activities and of course, time to explore some of the best local trails. Traditionally, the IMBA Europe Summit finishes with a group ride on Sunday afternoon.   Kranjska Gora Kranjska Gora is situated in the Upper Sava Valley and next to the border triangle with Austria and Italy. More than 200 km of cycling routes are connected to the destination. From lazy pedalling to more demanding excursions to the heart of the Alpine valleys. The geographical location next to the border presents an interesting tripoint cycling route, while the ascent to the highest Slovenian mountain pass is more well-known – the 1611 m high Vrši?. For all of those who crave an adrenaline high, a bike park is available in Kranjska Gora, and a new mountain biking trail, Robe Twist, is open with incredible views on the slopes of the Julian Alps. You can also cycle around the Julian Alps or cross Slovenia in the direction of the sea along the Trans Slovenia route, which is an extension of the Alpine crossing in Kranjska Gora. Kranjska Gora is also home to many world-famous sporting events in skiing and ski jumping every winter season, and will open this year’s summer season with the IMBA Europe Summit.  For more information please visit www.kranjska-gora.si.  The full program of the summit can be found HERE .