[1][2] The 1st stage was held in Slovenia's eastern regions of Prekmurje and Styria, but crossed Slovenia's borders thrice to neighboring countries Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, making it the first road cycling single stage in history to be held in 4 different countries.

After the tour crossed the Italian border in the 3rd stage, the race had been held in a total of five countries, also the first time ever.

Halfway through the originally planned 191.9 km (119.2 mi)-long stage, between the 99th and 111th kilometers, there were floods, so the cyclists had to cross the Mura river near Veržej instead of the originally planned crossing between Črenšovci and Ormož.

There was only one categorized climb (4th category), 4.5 km long on top of Jeruzalem, with 3% average and 9.4% maximum incline.

There was only one categorized climb (2nd category), 7.6 km long on Celjska koča (721 m) above Celje, at 6.3% average and 9% max.