Petrova and Strugar fastest at UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad in Serbia

Drazen Strugar and Elena Petrova emerged as champions at the UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad, held on Sunday. Strugar, who finished second last year, executed a daring attack in the final kilometers, while Petrova showcased her dominance in the women’s race, each securing their spot for the upcoming UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Australia

Strugar, representing BK STORM, launched an audacious move in the final kilometers of the 100km Gran Fondo. The 34-year-old Croatian cyclist opened up a small gap that he maintained to the finish line in a time of 2:43:11 . His thrilling victory came just three seconds ahead of the chasing pack with Alexandros Baxevanos of Greece in second and Eduardo Maretinez Llarena of Spain in third place.

“I knew I had to take a risk to avoid another second-place finish,” Strugar said after the race. “Every moment counted, and I’m thrilled to have held on for the win.”

In the women’s race, 5-time North Macedonia National Champion Elena Petrova (AXIOS PRO SKOPJE) left her competitors in the dust, triumphing with a staggering lead of nearly 10 minutes. The 33-year-old finished the race in 3:11:35, well ahead of Joanna Czerniej from Poland and Yana Vikhareva of Russia, who took second and third place, respectively.

“I felt strong throughout the race, and I knew I had to push myself to create a gap,” Petrova remarked. “This victory means a lot to me, and I am excited to represent my country at the World Championships.”

The event also featured a 77 kilometer Medio Fondo, where Slovenian Miha Majetic (ELMONT BLED) claimed victory with a solo finish time of 2:05:04. Following him were Talic Kadika of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dejan Stefanovic, who rounded out the podium.

In the women’s Medio Fondo, Serbian cyclist Olja Lapcevic, 51, claimed victory in 2:50:28, with Jovana Mandic and Vera Gusman finishing just behind.

Over 400 competitors participated in the Gran Fondo Novi Sad, competing fiercely for a chance to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships scheduled for next October in Australia. Those finishing in the top 25% of their UCI age/gender category secured their spots for this prestigious event.

The excitement of the UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad not only showcased the incredible talent of the cyclists but also highlighted the growing popularity of cycling as a competitive sport in the Serbian region.

Link to 2025 UCI Gran Fondo Novi Sad Results: https://protime.si/sl_si/dogodek/granfondo-novi-sad-2025