Cycling events
Numerous events for two-wheelers
The area of Rovinj, Vrsar, Bale, Svetvinčenat and Kanfanar is full of international cycling events for all ages, both in recreational and professional categories.
The successful organisation of a number of cycling events is proven by the increased number of participants who arrive in Istria every year from all parts of the world, as well as by the increasing number of cycling events listed here in international cycling calendars.
The Giro d’Italia confirmed the geographic and technical benefits of the area in 2004 when one of its stages passed through Rovinj and Vrsar.
Throughout the year, you can choose from among ten recreational rides along the Istrian coast or through the heart of the peninsula. This is possible even during the winter months, which due to the benefits of the Mediterranean climate allow you to enjoy weekend rides on your bike even when neighbouring regions are still covered with snow.
Up until 2014, the UCI international cycling calendar featured one of the world’s strongest junior road races ‘Across Istria’, with two stages crossing the area of Vrsar. In addition, for two consecutive years, from 2001 to 2003, Vrsar hosted the mountain bike XC Istra Grand Prix Vrsar cross-country race, which was also included in the UCI category 1 calendar.
The Istrian Spring is an unmissable professional cycling race that takes place in the middle of March. Over four days, it crosses almost all of Istria, mostly the interior, but along the coast too. Participants are mainly professional and continental category teams, some of whom are certain future winners of the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España races.
The organisation of cycling events takes place through the close co-operation and coordination of all relevant bodies and experts – local cycling clubs and the tourist boards of all five destinations and the Maistra d.d. Hotel Company.
