Umag / Novigrad - Istria Granfondo

The Istria Granfondo for Bicycling is well-known as the great autumn marathon on Croatia's Istrian peninsula. With several different long distance tracks and a versatile framework program (including a Fashion Show for cycling gear, competitions and cycling for children under 10 years) the Istria Granfondo promises to be an exciting weekend for cyclists, enthusiasts and families. As usual, the event has been organized to take place in early October. In 2015 the event will be held from October 10^th to 11^th.

The 25km circuit track around Novigrad (starts and finishes here) is designed to primarily interest cycling families with children over 10 years, older children and adults, whereas on Sunday visitors can compete on the longer circuits. The family circuit is at the same time a gourmet route because of the several service stations lining the circuit that serve tasty regional specialties. The Istria Granfondo Small (1050 meters of altitude) includes a marathon with 84 kilometers and the classic race – the highlight of the race - includes a route with 161 kilometers. The Istra Granfondo Classic route goes over 2230 meters of altitude and extends across the center of Istria around Buzet and Pazin and then back up to the northwest of the peninsula.

Additionally,  there is a competition on Sunday for crazy and daredevil stunts and jumps near the ATP Stadium Stella Maris in Umag. Here cyclists and spectators get to once again enjoy a good show and end the last day of these sporting events on a high note. Registration is open until race day, but the enrollment fees will be higher for those who don't book in advance. Early registration costs are around 20 euros and 30 euros on the day of the race. This fee includes, among others, food at roadside stations, professional timing and a starter pack as well as showers and a shuttle service.