Register NOW for the International UCI Istria Gran Fondo
The ninth edition of the International Gran Fondo takes place April 14-15, 2023 in Umag, Croatia. This is your chance to qualify for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
Save the dates April 14-15, 2023 and sign up for the Istria Gran Fondo international cycling marathon. The ninth edition of the marathon with the start and finish line in Umag will offer an even richer program this year.
Part of the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships being held August 4 – 7, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland, the results achieved in the main event of the Istria Gran Fondo race – the ninth stop of the UCI Gran Fondo series – will count in the overall ranking of the cyclists competing for their place among the elite at the World Championships in Scotland. Thus, the best cyclists in their age group participating in the Istria Gran Fondo race will get the opportunity and the right to fight for the title of world champion.
In addition to the main race split in two categories (Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo), for the first time in Croatia, participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at the Time Trial. The individual Time Trial will take place on Friday April 14, starting at 3.00 pm. The time trial is 22.3 km long with just 320 m of climbing.
If you are up for a real challenge, you can choose between one of the two routes for the bold and physically fit riders – 94 km long route of Istria Medio Fondo with 1,071m of climbing and the 119 km long route of Istria Gran Fondo with 1,503m of climbing. Both routes take place on Saturday April 15, in Umag, Croatia.
The routes pass through the central part of the Istrian peninsula, and return to Northwest Istria. Both races start and finish in the beautiful Stella Maris Resort, just next to the ATP stadium in Umag. In order to catch your breath along the way, the race organizers have prepared a total of 4 refreshment stops.
Race numbers will be available for pick up from Friday April 14, 2023.
This growing International cycling marathon has hosted well over 800 cyclists from 16 different countries, with more than 300 personnel on hand in the organization team and 150 volunteers, plus members of various cycling teams. This year it has 120 prizes available for the best cyclists and 20 prizes for the best teams.
Riders will benefit from a fully signposted course; race number holder; professional timing; mechanical help in the start area; medical assistance; free parking; food stops along the course; pasta party; online results; bike washing at the finish; showers; energy and service point in the expo zone.
Prizes and gift packages will be distributed among the age categories. Medals and cups will be awarded to the best riders, too. Individual prizes for top 3 in each category and special prizes for clubs, sport associations with the most registered participants. A new road bicycle from sponsor Keindl Sport for the overall race winner.
VIDEO: Istria Gran Fondo
On Sunday April 16, there is the Istria Granfondo Family & Gourmet Tour which will take cyclists and their children on a recreational bike ride around Novigrad and its surroundings, along the shore, through olive groves and vineyards. Treat your family to an unforgettable trip in nature! This gourmet and fun tour will let you enjoy the magnificent views while tasting Istrian dishes at the refreshment stop. It’s intended for cyclists over the age of 10 who can cover a distance of approximately 25 km.
The rich accompanying program in 2023 offers well-known bicycle brands at the Expo zone in Umag, a children's program, Zumba kids, a bike balance competition, Wine & Bike Sea Tour, a fashion show, rich gourmet offers and most importantly – a great atmosphere!
Special Accommodation Discount
Participants of the Istria Gran Fondo race are provided with a special discount on accommodation in Plava Laguna facilities:
- Hotel Coral Plava Laguna
- Hotel Garden Istra Plava Laguna
- Residence Garden Istra Plava Laguna
Steps for booking discount accommodation:
1. On the page http://www.plavalaguna.com enter the desired period of stay, the number of guests and the promo code GRANFONDO and click "Search"
2. Select the desired offer and review the reservation details
3. After entering the data, confirm your reservation
*Validity period of promotional code 12.04.-17.04.2023.
The closest airports are Pula Airport which is about 52 miles south of the town with direct connections to Umag or Trieste in Italy which is 32 miles and may offer better flight connections that operate all year-round.
Register NOW
For detailed information, please visit: https://www.coloursofistria.com/en/biking/istria-granfondo or click the button below to register now.
