Istria becomes the tenth destination in the world to carry the Eroica label

Over the past weekend, from September 19th to 21st, Novigrad and northwestern Istria became the stage for one of the most special cycling events in the world, the first Croatian edition of the NOVA Eroica Istria - Truffle Tour.

The event brought together more than 300 participants from 12 countries, including Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Germany, and several thousand visitors enjoyed cycling, culture and food and wine throughout the three-day program. 

The Eroica is unique precisely for its gravel roads, and the Istrian version fully lived up to expectations. As much as 80% of the routes were on white roads, revealing to cyclists the most beautiful views of the Istrian landscape. 

Director of the Istrian County Tourist Board Denis Ivosevic emphasized the importance of Eroica's arrival in Istria: "Eroica is a special sporting event that places great emphasis on the landscapes and authentic culture of the places where it takes place. We are extremely proud that Istria has become the tenth destination in the world to carry the Eroica label. The first edition in Croatia confirmed that Istria is recognized as a top cyclotourism region and that the white roads, vineyards and our towns provide a unique experience that attracts participants from all over the world." 

What makes this race special is that participants pass through carefully selected refreshment stations, where they have the opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of the Istrian peninsula. On their way, they visited Brtonigla, Buje, the Monterosso winery in Umag, Grožnjan, Livade, Motovun, and finished in Novigrad. 

"I am very honored that Istria is the host of the first Croatian Eroica. The arrival of this iconic cycling event in our homeland is a confirmation that Istria is recognized as a region of sports, healthy living and unique experiences, and this is exactly the year when we hold the prestigious title of European Region of Sports! I am especially pleased that this event will take place on our white roads, through landscapes that best depict the beauty and uniqueness of Istria", emphasized the Prefect of Istria County Boris Miletic

Race winners 

Sunny weather and ideal driving conditions contributed to the participants remembering this race as a special experience. The race was run on three unique routes: Malvasia (60 km), Teran (100 km) and Truffle (150 km), of which Teran and Truffle were of a competitive nature, and Malvasia of a recreational nature. 

On the Truffle route, the men's category was won by Denis Vorig from Italy, while the women's category was won by Chiara Ferraro, also from Italy. On the Teran route, the best were Tomislav Katalenić from Croatia and Sveva Guidali from Switzerland in the women's category. 

Expo and rich accompanying program 

In addition to the sports part, several thousand visitors enjoyed a diverse program. In the Expo zone on the main square in Novigrad, exhibitors of sports equipment presented themselves to visitors, while the gastronomic offer included the most famous Istrian products, from truffles and wine to olive oil and cheese. Special content was enriched by the Ciclo Club Ride for members of the international Eroica club, the family Friends & Family Tour, as well as concerts by the groups Febra and The Haze. 

Project manager Cristina Vojic Krajcar She emphasized the success of the organization and the reactions of the participants: "The preparations for the first edition were very intensive, but the effort paid off – the reactions of the participants and visitors are fantastic. We are especially pleased that everyone, from the recreational riders on the Malvasia route to the most hardy on the Truffle route, took home an unforgettable experience. This is just the beginning and I believe that the Eroica in Istria will grow year after year and become an unavoidable event on the calendar of European cycling events.” 

The great importance for the host city was also emphasized by the director of the Novigrad Tourist Board. Vesna Ferenac: "For Novigrad, this was a special honor and opportunity – for three days the city breathed the Eroica, from the start and finish of all routes, through the Expo zone and the eno-gastro offer, to concerts and socializing. The local community, caterers and numerous volunteers did their best to make the participants feel welcome. We are proud that Novigrad has become the center of this historic first edition. 

First edition NEW Eroica Istria - Truffle Tour confirmed that Istria can stand on an equal footing with the world's most famous destinations that carry the Eroica label. The combination of sport, culture and local heritage provided a unique experience that will surely continue in the years to come. 

Photo: Photo STUDIO / Source. TZ of the Istrian County