This year sees the fortieth edition - no less - of the international cycle race Okolo Slovenska, or "Round Slovakia", which in the course of its existence has established its reputation in the cycling world. It is, in fact, one of the most important sporting events orginised in Slovakia. In the past the starting line has boasted cyclists of the calibre of Olympic and World Championship title-holders Ludwig, Raab, De Roy, Sukhoruchenkov, Škoda and Tonkov, as well as legends such as Veselý and Ružička. Editions of the race so far have welcomed representatives from 42 countries around the world. Taking the credit as most frequent centre of the event is Banska Bystrica, which has played host eight times. In the special fortieth edition the centres will be Prešov, Poprad and Žilina. We anticipate the participation of more than twenty teams from abroad.