5th International Cycling Marathon Istria Granfondo Happening Next Month

by croatiaweek
August 26, 2016
in Sport

2016 Istria Granfondo starts next month

Get ready for the 5th edition of the popular international cycling marathon Istria Granfondo…

Istria Granfondo will be held this year from 30 September – 2 October 2016 and is open to those who feel like real cyclists, or those who just want to enjoy the unique Istrian countryside, cuisine and wine on two wheels. The fifth edition of the popular cycling marathon will start in Umag and finish in Novigrad, with an even richer programme guaranteed this year.

Besides running for one extra day, this year’s Istria Grafondo has introduced a City Cycle Tour With A Wine Break, which will be held on 30 September 2016. The start is in Stella Maris resort, right next to the Goran Ivanišević ATP tennis stadium, and the tour heads into the centre of Umag with breaks at newly-opened wine bars. The number of participants for the that tour is limited so interested parties need to register by mail.

Saturday is reserved for the main part of the marathon. Participants can choose between the 95 km long route of Istria Granfondo Small and 141 km long route of the Istria Granfondo Classic. Granfondo Classic passes through the central part of the Istrian peninsula, through Oprtalj, Motovun and Pazin and returns to Northwest Istria. Both races start and finish in the beautiful Stella Maris Resort, right next to the ATP stadium in Umag. A total of 6 refreshment stops have been prepared along the way.

Sunday is dedicated to the Istria Granfondo Family & Gourmet Tour, which is a 25 km recreational cycle. Starting in Novigrad, the tour will take in the surroundings around the town and along the shore, passing through olive groves and vineyards. Cyclists will enjoy the views and tastings of Istrian dishes at the refreshment stops.

Over the past five years the marathon has bought together over 800 cyclists from 10 different countries. This year in the Expo Zone there will be a selection of equipment from well-known brands on display, as well as an exciting children’s progamme, a bike balance competition, a fashion show, rich gourmet offer and most loads more.