Cycling in Ljubljana: How to Stay Motivated Through Tough Training Days

If you're planning to train for a cycling event or simply enjoy some of the best cycling routes in Ljubljana, this story is for you. Sometimes training doesn't go as planned — but with determination, you can still come out stronger. Here's my experience from a memorable training ride in early 2025 that reminded me of the power of persistence.

Early-Season Training in Ljubljana

It was sometime in early 2025, and I had just started training for the season. The weather was typical for that time of year — around 10-15°C, partially sunny, and cool enough for a light jacket. I grabbed my gear, applied my chamois cream, and set off for what was supposed to be a structured training ride.

My plan: 70 km with 3 x 20-minute intervals at 80% FTP. Not an easy ride, but manageable with focus and discipline.

The First Interval: Strong but Uncontrolled

After a 30-minute warm-up, I hit my first interval. The climb wasn’t ideal — too steep for proper pacing — so I ended up pushing closer to 90% FTP. Not exactly as planned, but I kept going.

✅ Pro Tip: When cycling around Ljubljana, you'll find various types of climbs — from rolling hills to steep inclines. Be flexible with your intervals and adjust your pacing based on the terrain.

Between intervals, I snacked on some gummy bears — my go-to source for quick energy. The sugar boost kept me moving, but fatigue was creeping in.

The Second Interval: Digging Deep

By the time I started my second interval, my legs were burning. The fatigue was real, but I knew I had to push through. Remembering my previous best times kept me motivated — even if I was 35% slower now than when I was fitter and leaner.

💪 Lesson: Progress isn’t always linear — but consistency leads to improvement.

The Final Effort: A Mental Battle

I started the third interval just behind a Slovenian-based cycling club. They dropped me in a blink — but that didn’t discourage me. After reaching the summit, I saw them ahead and decided to chase.

With no jacket on and adrenaline kicking in, I gave it everything I had. Surprisingly, I caught them fast! We rode together down the descent, chatting all the way — a reminder that cycling is as much about the community as the solo grind.

The Energy Crash: A Humbling Experience

The moment I split from the group — they turned right, I turned left — my energy dropped to 5%. My legs were empty. In the final stretch toward home, I was passed by:

🚲 A cyclist on a touring bike 🚲 A Wolt delivery rider on an MTB

I was cooked. Completely spent. But I knew it was part of the process.

Key Lessons from My Ride in around Ljubljana

✅ Trust the process: Even when your performance feels off, stick to your training plan — results will come with time.

✅ Fuel smartly: Gummy bears saved me mid-ride, but I could have managed my energy better with a proper carb strategy.

✅ Don’t compare yourself to past performances: Fitness fluctuates — especially after a break. Be patient and keep pushing.

✅ Embrace community rides: Cycling clubs around Ljubljana can provide great motivation and help you improve your pace — even if you can’t keep up every time.

Cycling Routes in Ljubljana for Training and Endurance

If you're cycling in Ljubljana, here are some excellent routes for training:

Krvavec Climb – A challenging climb with stunning views.
Polhograjski Dolomiti – Rolling hills perfect for interval training.
Šmarna Gora Loop – Great for short yet intense hill efforts.
Litija - Trebeljevo Loop - Amazing scenery

Never Give Up — Results Will Come

As this ride reminded me: If you've done it once, you can do it again. I’ve been faster and stronger before, and I know that by sticking to my plan, I’ll get there again.

Whether you're chasing KOMs or simply riding for the joy of cycling, remember — consistency beats perfection.

🚴‍♂️ Stay strong, keep pushing, and never give up. Results will follow!