The fifth Istria Granfondo presented at the Umag-based tournament

At an introductory press conference held at the Social Arena of the 27th Konzum Croatia Open Umag, the organizers presented the plan and program of the fifth Istria Granfondo, a road cycling event for both fully fit and recreational competitors as well as families. This year, Istria Granfondo will offer a myriad of new things but, most importantly, it will be a day longer owing to considerable interest in the event. The anniversary Istria Granfondo will thus take place between September 30 and October 2, and all the cyclists - and those who feel as such - will be able to enjoy Istria's unique landscape as well as Istrian specialties and wines - on two wheels.

This huge international fall cycling marathon, which will start and end in Istria's coastal towns Umag and Novigrad respectively, was presented at the press conference by Istraturist director Ronald Korotaj, senior destination project associate Toni Hrvatin, head of Umag's Tourist Board Milovan Popović and organizer of the Tour of Croatia Vladimir Miholjević.

Apart from an additional day, this year's Istria Granfondo will offer more side events and different routes. One of the novelties is the guided cycling tour City Cycle Tour with a Wine Break, which will take place on Friday, September 30. The start will be at Istraturist's Stella Marris, right next to the Goran Ivanišević ATP Stadium; the participants will then go to the center of Umag with a stop at ItIstria Wine Bar.

Saturday is reserved for the main marathon featuring two different routes. The participants will be able to choose between the 141-kilometer Istria Granfondo Classic route and the less demanding 95-kilometer Istria Granfondo Small route. They will also be able to take a breather and refresh themselves at six different rest stops along the way. The fastest ones across the finish line will be presented with a number of valuable prizes, while each cyclist will participate in a raffle. Finally, the 25-kilometer recreational cycling tour Istria Granfondo Family & Gourmet Tour will take place on Sunday. It will start in Novigrad, taking the participants through a number of Istrian villages, vineyards and olive groves as well as along the sea, while the rest stop will be offering Istria's traditional food. Application process for this unique event has already started. More information about Istria Granfondo is available on the official website or Facebook.