The new European standard

On June 13, 2026, Slovenian para-cyclist Anej Doplihar secured his place as the European champion after achieving silver in the time trial on Friday and then gold in the road race on Saturday during the European Para-Cycling Championships held in Italy. The competition took place in a highly competitive environment, where the top nine finishers crossed the finish line within just nine seconds of each other, highlighting the intensity and parity among the participants. Doplihar’s victory in the road race was particularly notable given the flat course, which he admitted did not suit him well, yet he managed to demonstrate exceptional focus, strength, and determination throughout the race.

In the road race, which covered a distance of 59.4 kilometers, Doplihar completed the course in 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 33 seconds. This time was matched by Italian cyclist Mirko Testa, who earned silver, and Swiss rider Micha Wäfler, who took bronze. Doplihar described the race as challenging, demanding, and fast, emphasizing how he felt strong throughout despite the terrain not being ideal for him. He recounted positioning himself ahead of the pack a kilometer before the finish line, getting overtaken briefly by the Swiss competitor but ultimately passing him in the final 100 to 150 meters. He also noted the presence of the Italian sprint specialist approaching the finish, but he remained composed and maintained his lead.

Doplihar had already demonstrated his prowess earlier in the week when he finished second in the time trial with a time of 27 minutes and 42.32 seconds, trailing only Wäfler by a mere 3.18 seconds. His performance over the two days underscored his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. According to reports from the Slovenian Paralympic Committee, Doplihar arrived directly from altitude training in Livigno, a decision made strategically by the Slovenian team and his coach, Aleš Suhadolnik, based on past experiences showing that Doplihar performs exceptionally well immediately following such training sessions.

As the most formidable athlete in Slovenia's delegation at the European Championships, Doplihar's success has elevated expectations for the national team, which includes several other athletes competing in different categories. Among them is Miha Hlad, making his debut in the MT2 category, who placed seventh in the time trial. Additionally, there is the tandem team of Janez Cankar and Boris Praznik, along with Amadej Hrovatić, a newcomer in the C5 category who received classification confirmation prior to the championships.

The primary objective of Slovenia's team at the European Championships was to accumulate points toward the national quota for the upcoming Paralympic Games. However, Doplihar's achievements have surpassed even these initial goals, with expectations having been set high for him to secure a spot in the top five in both disciplines. In the broader context of the season, Doplihar has already reached a significant milestone by finishing third in the overall standings of the World Cup this year.

Following his victory, Doplihar expressed gratitude towards his supporters and acknowledged the rigorous training regimen under the guidance of his coach. He emphasized the importance of the altitude training and the structured approach taken by the coaching staff, which contributed significantly to his success. His comments reflect not only personal satisfaction but also a sense of collective pride shared with those who support him.

Looking forward, the focus now shifts to preparing for the Paralympic Games, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the Los Angeles edition. The performance at the European Championships serves as a crucial stepping stone, providing valuable experience and confidence for future competitions. With his recent accomplishments, Doplihar stands as a prominent figure in Slovenian para-cycling, setting a benchmark for others in the sport.