Istria300 will take place on a new date next year
The largest recreational cycling event in Croatia will take place on 3rd October 2026, following changes to the international racing calendar, but even with the new date, participants and spectators can look forward to an unforgettable sporting experience and an exceptional atmosphere in Istria.
Poreč, 21 October 2025 – Istria300, will take place next year on a new date, 3rd October 2026. The date change is the result of adjustments to the international cycling calendar following the decision to award the 2026 European Road Cycling Championships to Slovenia. As part of adjustments, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rescheduled the CRO Race, which directly impacted the Istria300 event.
“Since part of the Istria300 organising team is also involved in the organisation of the CRO Race, we had to adjust the date of Istria300 as well. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants and partners of the Istria300 event in advance for their support and flexibility,” said Event Director Julius Rupitsch. He added that even with the new date, the event will once again deliver an unforgettable cycling experience for all riders and spectators. And there is no doubt it will. Thanks to its excellent organisation, diverse programme, and the natural beauty of Istria, the event has earned the status of the fastest-growing cycling gathering in the world and the largest recreational cycling event in Southeast Europe.
“This year, Poreč welcomed 4,200 cyclists from 40 countries, and the event was sold out three months before the race. For next year’s sixth edition, more than 1,500 cyclists from around the world have already registered, which speaks volumes about the growing popularity of our event,” added Race Director Vladimir Miholjević, Sports Director of Istria300.
The first Istria300 took place in October 2021 and immediately made history as the largest first edition of a recreational cycling event in Croatia, attracting 800 participants. Just four years later, the number of participants has increased fivefold, with cyclists travelling from distant countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Istria300 also makes a significant contribution to the sports and tourism offer of the region, as the organisers continue to invest in cycling infrastructure, open new routes, and develop additional tourism experiences as part of their preparations.
The importance of this event has also been recognised by numerous partners and sponsors, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Tourist Board of the Istrian Region, the Tourist Board of Poreč, as well as Valamar Riviera, Heineken 0.0., and HEP.č
