Northwest . More than just cycling. Contents

Northwest Istria. Adriatic’s cycling oasis. 4

The destination for cyclists of all profiles. 6

Bike signalization. 8

Luxurious cycling and adventure paths. 10

Bike hotels. Accommodation tailored for two-wheeled guests. 14

Bike expert. Constant bike support from an experienced 18 professional.

Bike boutique hotels. A comfortable haven for cyclists. 19

Bike specialists. A reliable support for cyclists. 22

Package deals. When others take care of organization. 23

Events. Races, marathons, recreational cycling manifestations... 24

Information for cyclists. 26

Calendar of cycling events. 27 Northwest Istria. Adriatic cycling oasis.

Northwest Istria has a total of 19 of the terrain is very suitable and at- praises the extraordinary benefits of equipped and specially marked tractive and diverse cycling paths along its bike trails. De Bertolis emphasizes bike tracks that are as roads to the coast and in the hinterland are the beauty of the natural riches of unlimited possibilities for exploring over 550 kilometres long. Northwest this area where the contents and destinations as well as your own cycling Istria’s added advantage is its position. of the trails themselves, potential. The variety of the trails will You can easily come here by from along with the accommodation capaci- satisfy all profiles of cyclists, which , , , Switzerland, ties, are ideal for professional prepa- makes it deserve the epithet of the ideal Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina. rations as well as for recreationalists bike region. By following high standards, Istria Northwest Istria The new highway network guarantees wanting to cycle and enjoy the nature. the licensed bike hotels offer the a comfortable and safe journey. You complete service of accommodation, and along with an equipment shop, can also arrive by ship and plane. There Northwest Istria is an Adriatic Eddy Merckx, a world Previous experience, natural re- renting bike guides, an offer of at- are airports in , , , region in the westernmost part sources and the existing infrastruc- tractive package arrangements, the and . Northwest Istria. of Croatia, at the of the cycling legend and a ture show that the region meets cyclists also have bike experts at their More than just cycling... Other than the clear sea and clean Mediterranean and Central Eu- five-time winner of the requirements of bike tourists, disposal. They are precisely the ones, beaches, the Northwest Istria cycling ad- rope. It comprises coastal towns mountain bikers and road cyclists, which with their knowledge and profes- • Cycling oasis on the coast of the Tour de France has sionalism are a great source of useful venture includes autochthonous cuisine Adriatic Sea of and Novigrad and, in the regardless of whether they come here alone, with their families or a information and professional help from and Istria’s olive oil and wines. Cyclists hinterland, and . paid tribute to Istria by • Original and natural surroundings larger group, and whether they are all aspects of the world of cycling. can also use the infrastructure intended Northwest Istria is one of Europe’s saying that the territory • 19 equipped and marked trails looking for a place for recreation, for other sports, such as tennis, golf and most desirable cycling destinations. is simply stunning. training or to organize a race. The dynamism of the region is football, but also a top quality wellness • Ideal for all profiles of cyclists It opens the door to a richer and reflected in the implementation offer with a range of content. • Licensed bike hotels more challenging world of cycling, of more than 15 bike events as with a collage of experiences, intact confirmation of the exciting events • Attractive package arrangements The great significance of Northwest nature, top quality and accom- throughout the year. The Mediterra- Istria as a bike region is also spoken • Constant support from bike ex- modation, culture and exploring, nean climate which doesn’t have any of by Massimo De Bertolis, the Ital- perts and bike guide services peace and beauty. longer periods of cold weather allows ian professional cyclist in the MTB cycling to take place during nine • More than 15 bike events a year category and the world champion of months of the year. The configuration 2004 in the marathon category who

4 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 5 The destination for cyclists of all profiles.

Mountain bikers (MTB) Road cyclists Bike tourists

Northwest Istria is the • 12 mountain bike trails with total length With its ideal conditions for training, To those who discover countries and right place to master the of 380 km • Technically demanding and intermediate trails the region is also a top destination regions on two wheels rather than by car, mountain trails under rushes • Single trails for professional cycling clubs. Here while keeping in touch with the nature and of adrenaline, along green • Beautiful, untouched landscape are a few reasons: heritage, the Northwest Istria offers: • Ascents from the coast towards Istria’s hinterland sceneries and exciting routes. • The cycling season lasts for 10 months, • 6 trails of 180 km in total length • , an unusual cycling trail with viaducts from February to December • Recreational, group and family routes We highlight the following and , which runs along an old railway • Mild Mediterranean climate • Nature, culture and gastronomy lovers’ routes for mountain bikers: • Special bikers’ accommodation • Good road network • Idyllic landscapes • Expert logistical support guaranteeing safety • Specially traced trails for road cyclists on the tracks of • Small medieval hilltop towns and quality Giro d’Italia in Istria and Istria Granfondo • Easy rides along the coast • MTB training camp with Massimo De Bertolis • Experience in organization • Bike expert for cycle-tourists • Bike expert for mountain bikers • Wellness treatments as a supplement to trainings • Thematic trails for the family, gourmands and for culture • Organized training camps for individuals and groups and nature lovers... • Infrastructure for other sports • September: MTB training camp with Massimo de • Bike expert for road cyclists Bertolis Over 15 recreational cycling manifestations: • September: XCO Izgubljena ovca (Lost sheep), profes- • March: Umag Trophy,chronometer for licensed • March: Oleum olivarum bike • April: Asparagus Cycling sional cross country cycling along the Parenzana railway cyclists (Bike and asparagus picking) • September: The Parenzana MTB Marathon (MTB • March: Istrian Spring, lap racing and chronometer for • August: Grožnjan by night Maraton Parenzana), a professional race listed in the licensed cyclists Bike tour Sv. Pelagij International Cycling Union (Union Cycliste Internation- • October: Istria Granfondo, an international mara- • September: Buje Eco Bike Marathon ale - UCI) calendar in the C1 category thon listed in the UCI calendar • November: Wine Bike Marathon

6 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 7 Bike signalization.

Informational boards

The bike trails of Northwest Istria are additionally described with an overview and useful information for all riders. Each informational board contains a clear map of the area on which the trail is located and offers its complete overview.

In the area of Northwest Istria there are 30 informational boards set with all described bike trails. They contain information on each trail such as its length, total ascending length and the Signalization difficulty evaluation of each trail.

Cycling trails are marked in accordance Red tables mark demanding trails, suit- The highlighted contour lines are with European standards and form a part able for skilled cyclists in good physical of great importance to the cyclists, of a unique signalization system on the condition. They have many climbs of especially on the more demanding level of entire Istria, in which NW Istria is all lengths and levels of steepness, can trails with a great number of ascents. assigned numbers 1 to 99. contain an uneven terrain, steep descents There is an interesting graphic display and other technically demanding ele- Green tables mark easy trails without of altimetry with height differences in ments. Not suitable for family cycling. long or steep climbs. They are either meters. straight or slightly wavy, do not have any It is important to know that description, dangerous or technically demanding laps marking and maintaining of the roads is The informational table also shows and can be mastered by every cyclist. performed by sports experts, cyclists and what type of road is on a certain trail, Suitable for families with small children. local terrain experts, which guarantees which is clearly marked with a dotted the safety and reliability of all trails, their Intermediate routes are marked yellow. line for macadam and land parts to a map representations and signalization. They have short or medium long climbs full line for asphalt. and are moderately steep. They are intended for medium level cyclists.

8 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 9 Luxurious cycling Gourmet & wine and adventure paths. The Gourmet & Wine bike trail invites Continue further, weave through the all experienced gastronomic con- magical green vineyards to Mom- noisseurs and true wine lovers for jan and Brtonigla where, in modern Northwest Istria is full of cycling paths recordings, important information and socializing. It is designed as a pack- equipped tasting areas, you can try beckoning exploration and adventure. checkpoints on all trails. age of recreation and is gastronomi- exquisite muškat, malvasia and teran The surface is clay, gravel and asphalt, cally filled with delicacies on attrac- wine. Letting yourself relax under the What makes them special is a mul- and the routes are marked and regu- tive checkpoints in Northwest Istria. open sky is only a part of the gour- titude of attractions and surprises larly maintained. Cyclist can choose Go for a ride and search for wine met experience waiting only for you. cyclists discover along them. These among 12 mountain and 6 road trails cellars and agritourism that offer are rural with homemade based on their preferences. They are in- only homemade products, from the food, rich landscapes of intact nature, tended for recreational cyclists, families, praised Istrian prosciutto to truffles, a medieval towns, wine cellars and wine mountain bikers and road cycling pro- tested powerful aphrodisiac leader of tasting facilities. Is there any other fessionals, both for trainings and races. the Istrian table. place that boasts so many diversities in A more simple orientation in the area is such a small area, which is also ideally additionally enabled for the cyclists with located in the heart of Europe? satellite navigation and available GPS Family The trails are divided into The bike trails intended for fami- demanding, intermediate lies are a true choice for parents and easy, depending on who wish to spend their free time their profile and difficulty. actively and in quality with their children. The ideal hinterland of They are from 20 to 60 Northwest Istria with hills where kilometres long, with a the view reaches far away to the vertical drop of 500 m endless sea is the basic incentive for exploring Istria’s beauty on two maximum. Each trail is wheels. specific in its own right There will be no lack of excitement and features a unique because the family ride will turn into stamp of the local area. a real adventure. The trail reveals old lighthouses, the former railroad track and medieval remains of towers and The original Istrian wine cellars lively On your way back, the fresh sea air monumental fortresses that spark the live in small towns so they are the that reaches your family from the imagination of all generations. ideal place for a family lunch. blue Adriatic Sea enriches the enjoy- ment in the ride..

10 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 11 Nature & culture Cross country

The magical blue-green combination Continue your nature & culture bike Cyclists that are fulfilled with a They are ideal for training and The testimonies of the cyclists is interwoven in all the bike trails adventure towards Završje or desire for continuous adrenaline are especially attractive single speak of especially attractive of Northwest Istria. The gran forests by riding to a slow rhythm and feel and strive for excellent physical tracks, narrow parts of the trails routes that live in complete and modest woods are as if they the luxurious untouched nature and form and perfecting bike techniques for practicing techniques and harmony with nature at the have completely embraced the rich cultural heritage. Rest long soft choose the Cross Country trails of perfecting physical form. All trails viaduct of the Parenzana next to entire cultural heritage, centuries springs and wild streams in the valley Northwest Istria. The trails have call for great strength and the the village of Peroj and the curvy of influence to the culture of life in of the River that defies the many sport polygons located in the excitement is constantly growing polygon at the end of the trail. these areas. peace of century-old trees with its hinterland of Umag and Novigrad, because Cross Country trails are Choose your team and look for current. One bike ride is enough for in the peacefulness of untouched primarily of competitive character. true bike excitement. Cycling in these surroundings turns us to return again to this synergy of nature and continuous acceleration into a personal cultural maturing. nature and culture. on the land. If you find yourself in the green hills towards medieval Grožnjan, the town of artists, stop and experience the treasures of the galleries saved there by numerous artists. Parenzana

The former railroad track, Parenzana, pay attention to its peaceful curves, feeling of admiration towards this connected Poreč and Trieste its mild ascents and hidden routes. peaceful area, where once a slow approximately one hundred years In this perfect natural harmony, you passed through. MTB trails ago and today it connects the cyclists will be completely taken over by the and pedestrians as one of the most Professional cyclists, individuals approximately 80 kilometres of desirable and most beautiful bike and groups, clubs and teams, can riding, and it leads to small towns in trails in Istria. The preserved viaducts test their strength, endurance and the continental part of Istria on mild of Završje and Oprtalj are a reminder speed on demanding and medium hills that open their doors leaving of the railroad history, along with demanding parts of the MTB trail. only the most beautiful memories. the tunnels Freski, and Physical progress is guaranteed Kostajnica and the railroad houses thanks to the demanding ascents, the For cyclists, these MTB trails of that reflect days gone by. steep falls and unpredictable curves. Northwest Istria are one of the greatest excitements in their For the cyclists they are all an Each cyclist will build form on career; they are fast, intensive, with inspiration and natural motivation this type of track while perfecting unlimited freedom and beauty in life for future bike adventures. the technique of bike riding and that offers eternal adventure. All, domestic and foreign contribute to his health by riding recreationalists, ecologically through untouched nature and conscious travellers and cyclists breathing fresh and clean air. The who chose a destination with a longest trail in this category reaches clear attitude regarding preserving the environment, visit Parenzana. While driving through Parenzana,

12 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 13 Maestral Bike hotels. The Novigrad’s eclectic for Istrian bike ventures Accommodation tailored for two-wheeled guests.

Northwest Istria Services for cyclists: • Bike lunch package has numerous • Après-bike-snack accommodation • Bike expert (bike expert responsible • Bike corner (informational corner in the hotel intended for cyclists with facilities licensed as bike for the complete offer for cyclists in the hotel) all necessary information on the hotels. Such facilities destination offer) • Bike guide (service of guiding cyclists) have additional content • Bike trails and itineraries Hotel Maestral offers its professional as- Hotel Maestral, enriched with a modern • Organized one-day bike rides sistance to its guests through a special- wellness complex with a gym and an Hotel Maestral **** and services for cyclists, • Program and service hours of the • Organized weekly bike rides ized bike expert, the hotel bike advisor, indoor 25-meter swimming pool with Terre 2, 52466 Novigrad bike expert and are assigned • Renting a GPS device with a mini- who the guests can always turn to for heated water, also ensures the cyclists a t. +385 (0)52 858 600 • Bike events calendar their designation by mum of 10 itineraries with the help and advice. diverse cuisine, complete logistics and a www.laguna-novigrad.hr • Program and hours of organized start from the hotel spacious parking lot. [email protected] independent reviewers. bike rides • GPS recordings of bike itineraries In its standard offer, Hotel Maestral also • Weather info (daily report on the Bike hotels are located near bike (free download) has a bike department that offers bike weather) and additional equipment renting, a trails, have a safe room for storing • Bike service card (info card with all bicycles, a repair shop with tools • Internet corner workshop for the repair of bikes, a control important telephone numbers) for basic repairs, the possibility of • Web page with all the necessary service for bikes and their washing. The • Renting bikes and additional renting and washing bicycles as well information for cyclists bike department also organizes one-day equipment as washing clothes and equipment. • Meeting hall bike tours for its guests. • Areas for bikes, locked with They also offer information and ma- • Inside swimming pool terials necessary for planning routes, 24-hour video surveillance and • Fitness a cuisine adapted to greater physical equipped with carriers and hooks • Wellness centre with whirlpool, efforts and various other benefits. • Area with a base for mounting with Turkish, Finnish and bio sauna They often feature a special vehicle tools, lubricants and a compressor in case of a malfunction, unforeseen • Massages and treatments • Outdoor parking for bikes with events or for transporting cyclists to carriers and from the facilities. • Cabinets with electricity and water The region also offers other types of for the needs of the cycling vans accommodation - campsites, hotels, • Services of washing sport clothes private houses, apartments and fam- • Cleaning and washing bikes ily farms, which can also cater to the • Safety check (bike service control) needs of cyclists. • Menus for cyclists

14 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 15 Sol Garden Istra Sol Umag Luxurious hotel on the intersection of bike trails A wide range of contents in the oasis of cycling

Located in the Katoro tourist village, bike department and each indi- True refreshment for the cyclists is in with a specialized bike corner which Hotel Sol Garden Istra **** Hotel Sol Umag **** 3 km from the centre of Umag and vidual guest. He is responsible for Hotel Sol Umag that opens its doors to offers cycling fans complete technical 250 m from the sea, the Sol Garden the save reception of the cyclists Katoro bb, 52470 Umag modern and active guests. The hotel support in one place. Sol Umag offers Jadranska bb, 52470 Umag Istra hotel merges modern design through technical support and indi- t. +385 (0)52 716 000 interior is enriched with a modern unique enjoyment as a combina- t. +385 (0)52 714 000 with traditional Istrian motives. vidual aid. The bike department has www.istraturist.com design that offers comfort in its entire tion of unrestrained recreation and a www.istraturist.com It is ideal for cyclists of different in its offer the renting of bikes and [email protected] area. From the front desk and the hotel magical wellness centre. The awarded [email protected] preferences, offers easy access to additional equipment, workshops lobby to a total of 209 rooms, 8 luxuri- wellness centre in an original adapted all the region’s trails and numerous for repairs, control services for bikes ous junior suites and 86 rooms in the Istrian ambient offers a part of the top quality services for cyclists. and organizes one-day rides. annex park are a confirmation of abso- atmosphere of life in Istria, and the lute comfort and a guaranteed rest. offer covers all of the magic of the Within the hotel, the cyclists have The offer is supplemented by a wellness world. With a view of the at their disposal a professional bike modern wellness centre, excellent Recognizing Northwest Istria and spacious sea from one side and the expert on a daily basis as a direct food and animation programmes Umag as renowned bike destina- green landscapes from the other, Ho- connection between the hotel for guests of all ages. tions has brought forth the perfection tel Sol Umag realizes all of the wishes of the hotel offer according to high of the guests in search for new activi- bike standards. The hotel is equipped ties on two wheels.

16 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 17 Bike expert. Bike boutique hotels. Constant bike support from A comfortable haven an experienced professional. for cyclists.

The safety and satisfaction of the guests hotel informer on the bike offer. He is the trail. Other than the technical part, A perfect combination of practicality and as the basic quality of the bike offer regularly also the guide for organized his role is also the continuous offering warmth, accessibility and an intimate is completely achieved thanks to the one-day rides in categories of cycle- of support and aid to bike clubs and atmosphere combined in a unique type qualified bike experts. The bike expert is tourism and road tourism and groups specialists and operative aid in the of bike boutique hotel. A recognizable the person responsible for the complete brought by specialized bike agencies. organization of bike manifestations such style, top quality design and high quality offer of bike products that with its wide as “Istria Granfondo”, “Istrian Spring” are their basic characteristics, and they spectre of duties connects all levels of He is also at disposal as the renter for and “Trophy Umag” as well as the are based on the goal of satisfying all the bike world. GPS devices with instructions on their organization of bike programs. individual needs of each cyclist. use. Furthermore, he visits the trails He is the link between the front desk on a regular basis, holds accurate and Hotels with bike boutique categories and the bike department, so on a daily reliable bike signalization and identifies are specially licences for the admission basis he takes over the role of the eventual shortcomings and damages on of cyclists so the accommodation offer does not exceed 30 rooms. They are ad- His primary goal is con- ditionally emphasized with the mutual stant training and im- connection of the hotel staff with every provement of the service individual guest. and therefore he goes Services for cyclists: • Bike guide (service of guiding cyclists) • Fitness and wellness (depending • Organized one-day bike rides on the hotel) • Locked bike area to specialized fairs on a • Internet corner • Massages and treatments • Cleaning and washing bikes regular basis, along with • Web page with all the necessary (depending on the hotel) • An available set of tools for simple information for cyclists • Meeting hall going to bike races, partic- repairs ipating in the preparation • Outdoor parking lot for bikes with of bike and promotional carriers • Bike trails and itineraries material and new projects • Bike events calendar for cyclists. • Bikes and additional equipment renting • Menus for cyclists • Bike service card (info card with all important telephone numbers) • Weather info (daily report on the weather)

18 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 19 San Rocco Villa Rosetta A boutique hotel for the most demanding cyclists The smell of the sea and bike adventures in the privacy of

San Rocco has been considered the the peaceful, green Brtonigla, some Villa Rosetta is a small coastal hotel on attention to top cuisine - the Villa Rosetta Hotel San Rocco **** Hotel Villa Rosetta **** best small hotel in Croatia for several 10 km from the sea, and is an excel- the north-west of Istria, near the town specialities are traditional and modern years. It is renowned for its extraordi- lent starting point for two-wheeled Srednja ulica 2, 52474 Brtonigla of Savudrija. Its location on the cycling Mediterranean dishes. It nurtures an Crvena uvala 31 52475 Zambratija nary food and a unique culinary phi- explorations, especially for guests who t. +385 (0)52 725 000 route and additional services for cyclists intimate atmosphere and is the perfect t. +385 (0)52 725 710 losophy, but also for the efforts of the are looking for a more complex service www.san-rocco.hr make it the ideal destination for this type choice for those wanting to escape sum- www.villarosetta.hr entire family towards ensuring smooth and top comfort in the form of luxuri- [email protected] of guests. The hotel is comfortable and mer crowds and relax in the peace of the [email protected] running of the hotel. It is located in ous rooms, wellness and pool. shrouded in greenery and pays special blue and green Mediterranean.

La Parenzana A Casa Following the old railway - on a bicycle! A rural complex for the perfect two-wheeled Istrian experience

Homemade bread, food prepared over the historical motif of the Austro-Hungarian Restaurant A Casa, with rooms and cycling routes trailing the borders of Casa romantica A Casa hearth and generous hosts are but a small Parenzana railway that used to connect La Parenzana a pool, is decorated as a rural com- the peninsula of Istria, the proxim- part of what lies in store for the guests Trieste and Poreč and passed through this plex inhabited by the spirit of the ity of golf courses and superb food Grupija 13a, 52475 Savudrija Volpia 3, 52460 Buje of La Parenzana, a picturesque tavern area. The tavern is an ideal starting point Istrian antiquity. It is located in the make it one of the most desirable t. +385 (0)52 737 101 t. +385 (0)52 777 460 located 2 km from Buje. It offers accom- for exploring the route of this railway line, small village of Grupija, near the facilities for cyclists in NW Istria. It www.restoran-mani.com www.parenzana.com.hr modation in comfortable rooms and builds which is now a cycling trail, as well as for Kanegra tourist village. The prox- offers homemade food and addi- [email protected] [email protected] its unique identity on the interesting other cycling ventures across NW Istria. imity of the Parenzana and other tional offers for cyclists.

20 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 21 Bike specialists. Package deals. A reliable support for cyclists. When others take care of organization.

Shops, repair shops and other professionals who instil trust A complete team of experts is points offering logistical support with their work and competence, available for all the assistance to tourists during all the stages of and ensure the desired service necessary regarding the stay of their two-wheeled adventure are is delivered as soon as possible cyclists in Northwest Istria. an important link in the chain of and that unforeseen events are cycling offer in Northwest Istria. settled quickly and easily. We offer groups and busine- They are managed by skilled ss partner’s infrastructure and support for: • the organization of package arrangements • the organization of guided tours • the organization of rest for cyclists SHOPS AND REPAIR SHOPS Northwest Istria offers various cycling have passed demanding training packages designed for different cli- and acquired an official license of the ent profiles. The packages include Croatian Cycling Federation (HBS). Umag - Davor Bike Umag - Aurum Sport d.o.o. Umag - Trgoauto i Bike shop Novigrad - Extremus D. Alighieri 11, 52470 Umag the possibility of guiding, which is Hotel Sol Umag Žrtava fašizma 9c, 52470 Umag Ulica Murvi 15, 52466 Novigrad They speak foreign languages and gsm +385 (0)98 532 427 Jadranska bb, 52470 Umag Tel: +385 (0)52 721 303 ( station) entrusted to specially trained cycling gsm +385(0)95 544 2040 gsm +385 (0)98 188 01 09 t. +385 (0)52 759 488 guides. Other than excellent physi- know every part of the area they gsm +385 (0)98 420 586 cal shape, cycling guides have highly guide the groups through. developed communication skills,

BICYCLE AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL ORGANIZERS OF PACKAGE DEALS FOR CYCLISTS

Umag - B.A.H. d.o.o. Umag - Aurum Sport d.o.o. Novigrad - Hotel Maestral Sport centar Istraturist Umag d.d. Laguna Novigrad d.d. Turistička agencija Sitnica Alternativna Istra - Hotel Sol Garden Istra (bike point) Hotel Sol Umag Terre 2, 52466 Novigrad Guidina d.o.o. Katoro bb, 52470 Umag Jadranska bb, 52470 Umag t. +385 (0)52 858 645 Jadranska 66, 52470 Umag Škverska 8, 52466 Novigrad Montrin 31, 52460 Buje gsm +385 (0)91 2020 500 gsm +385 (0)95 544 2040 www.laguna-novigrad.hr t. +385 (0)52 700 700 t. +385 (0)52 858 600 t. +385 (0)52 721 007 Ulica Mira 9, 52474 Brtonigla www.istraturist.com www.laguna-novigrad.hr gsm +385 (0)98 434 748 t. + 385 (0)52 725 100 [email protected] www.alternativna-istra.com/ [email protected] www.sitnica.hr [email protected] [email protected]

22 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 23 Events. Races, marathons, recreational cycling manifestations...

There are more than The best part of the race follows As the host of two prestigious road the route of the railway road of races Trophy Umag and Istrian 15 recreational bike the same name which is now Spring, Umag is also known as the marathons in the area a cycling trail, and which still destination of top events in the of Umag, Novigrad, features old tunnels, overpasses world of bike touring. and bridges. Winding and Buje and Brtonigla a romantic, the Parenzana is the The international bike race year, from March to symbol of the NW Istria’s step into Trophy Umag is held for the first October, although some a new cycling era. time along the attractive Umag Istria Granfondo area. The one-day race gathers The large marathon Istria Granfondo is Istria Granfondo Family&Gourmet are also held during the The region’s considerable potential approximately 200 riders and a special form of a bike event with a Tour is an exceptionally popular has been recognized globally in 25 teams and a confirmation winter thanks to the mild start and goal in Umag and Novigrad. form of a road cycling event which 2004, when one lap of the famous of the great significance of this The two-day Istria Granfondo Marathon is characterized by the spontaneous climate. Giro d’Italia race was held in Istria event is also its entry in the is mostly ridden through Northwest cycling of a large number of and passed through Umag and official calendar of Union Cyclist Some of them have a 15-year-long Istria as a race organized in three participants with various profiles, from Novigrad. International (UCI). tradition and loyal participants routes. The participants can choose professional cyclists to families and who return every year. They often between the shorter, 84 kilometre long recreationalists. This form of cycling is Also, we must mention the junior The already traditional bike race have a theme and are linked to route, Istria Granfondo Small, and the becoming more popular in the world, road race Kroz Istru (Through Istrian Spring this year marks its the region’s specific offer. longer Istria Granfondo Classic route and recently it expanded from Europe Istria), listed in the UCI calendar, 10th edition. With an international They offer an asparagus excursion, which amounts to 161 kilometres. to the United States. Istria Granfondo Northwest Istria has organized two laps of which are held in the character, this route race wine bike marathon to Momjan, is a massive and non-competitive race a substantial number of cycling Umag and Novigrad every year. It through Istria brings numerous, venture along the Parenzana or an A larger part of the route of Istria opened for everyone, but it also allows manifestations, both recreational is one of the biggest junior races exceptionally quality cyclists from excursion to Završje, reminding us Granfondo Classic is ridden on paths a certain dose of competition for those and professional. The events in the world. Also, the cluster has all parts of the world. Its existence of the hidden beauties of the small that in the year 2004 were part of the participating with the goal of racing. are international and a growing been the host of the XC Istra Grand has contributed to cycling in Istria, hilltop town. 14th route of the famous race Giro number of foreign and domestic Prix cross country mountain bike but also to the friendly relations d’Italia. It passes through central Istria, The planned trip to Northwest Istria, bike tourists, mountain bikers race, which was held from 2002 to of all participants with the natural The cluster’s special jewel is through , and a challenging bike destination, will and road cyclists are signing up 2004 in the Kanegra campsite and surroundings in which it is held as the Parenzana Marathon, a where it then returns to Northwest become one irresistible adventure on for them. The participants are was also a part of the UCI calendar well as the hospitable people of professional mountain bike Istria, to Umag. two wheels. of different ages and physical in Category 1. Istria. marathon founded 14 years ago predispositions and come in and listed in the UCI calendar. www.istria-granfondo.com different combinations.

24 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 25 Information Calendar for cyclists. of cycling events.

Detailed descriptions of the routes are The entire offer of the Northwest Istria January New Years Bike tour Umag available in the Bike Guide Through is available on the cluster’s main portal Umag-Kanegra Northwest Istria, a quality extensive called Colours of Istria, which is also its Befana Bike tour Marušići edition published in several languages. slogan. There is a special chapter on March Oleum olivarum bike Krasica The book features detailed maps, trail cycling. Trophy Umag Umag descriptions and photographs. www.coloursofistria.com 10th Istrian Spring Umag [email protected] Winter cup Kornarija Kornarija The offer of Northwest Istria consists in two maps with a total of 19 drawn-in April Asparagus Cycling Kaštel Information on trails, sights, bike bike routes, one with 13 MTB trails and Bike tour Roads of Morels Umag guides and everything required to plan the other with 6 road trails. Both contain Bike tour Revive Završje Grožnjan a ride through Northwest Istria will basic technical information, registered Bike tour St. Juraj Triban be supplied by the tourist offices in altimetry and information on services Umag bike Umag Umag, Novigrad, Buje and Brtonigla.. and contents that you will find all along May Socializing and biking Grožnjan each individual trail you are cycling on. July Marušići Bike tour Marušići MTB Bike tour Radini Radini

August Bike tour in Šterna Šterna Juricani MTB Bike tour Marija na Krasu TOURIST OFFICES Bike tour St. Lovro Lovrečica San Rocco Bike tour Brtonigla Grožnjan by night Grožnjan Umag Tourist board Novigrad Tourist Board Tourist Board of Brtonigla Tourist Board of Grada Buja Bike tour St. Pelagius Novigrad Marija na Krasu Bike tour Marija na Krasu Trgovačka 6, 52470 Umag Mandrač 29a, 52466 Novigrad Mlinska 2, 52474 Brtonigla 1. svibnja 2, 52460 Buje t. +385 (0)52 741 363 t. +385 (0)52 757 075 t. +385 (0)52 774 307 t. +385 (0)52 773 353 September XC lost sheep Triban f. +385 (0)52 741 649 f. +385 (0)52 757 075 f. +385 (0)52 720 860 f. +385 (0)52 773 353 Eko bike marathon Buje Buje [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] A Day without Umag

October Istria Granfondo Umag-Novigrad

November Wine Bike marathon Momjan Momjan Bike marathon Finida Finida December Parenzana bike path Buje

26 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com 27 Manuel Fumić, one of the world-class mountain cyclists, in Grožnjan

28 www.coloursofistria.com www.coloursofistria.com