Umag, Novigrad

06.10.2012 - 07.10.2012.

Istria Granfondo

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International bicycle marathon

Istria Granfondo, great autumn marathon starting and ending in coastal Istrian towns of Umag and Novigrad is an opportunity for a fun weekend of sports and recreation. Granfondo has recently become a very popular road cycling event. The race implies a spontaneous ride of many participants, ranging from contestants in excellent shape to families and casual recreational cyclists. 

The international Istria Granfondo marathon will take place on 6 and 7 October 2012 (Saturday and Sunday) and feature many different routes. Two Saturday rides starting and ending in Novigrad are custom-made for families with children. 

The first one, Istria Granfondo Kids, is a closed circular ride on the parking lot by the town sports hall and is intended for children under 10. 

The other one, Istria Granfondo Family, which runs for some 25 kilometres through Novigrad and its surroundings, is for families and children over 10.

The marathon will culminate on Sunday in Umag, with the programme intended for the bold and the fit, who will have the opportunity to choose whether to take the short or the long course. 

The first one, Istria Granfondo Small is 85 kilometres long, while Istria Granfondo Classic is a staggering 155 kilometres long. It might be interesting to note that the best part of the Istria Granfondo Classic course will run along the trails of the 14th lap of the famous Giro d'Italia in 2004. It also runs through the central parts of the Istrian peninsula, through Buzet, Cerovlje and Pazin, then west to Poreč and back through north-western Istria. Both races start and end in the attractive Stella Maris tourist complex, right by the ATP stadium in Umag. On Sunday before the main races, the youngsters will have the opportunity to take part in a circular ride on the plateau by the Stella Maris stadium. 

Istria Granfondo is an opportunity for you to take a bike-trip, but also to discover north-western Istria, the pearl of the Mediterranean that has in the past few years become a staple of world travel lists as an extraordinary cycling destination.

Welcome to Umag and Novigrad to the Istria Granfondo!

For more information visit www.coloursofistria.com