The Istria300 awards
When creating and developing Istria300 we have always wanted to combine the rich Istrian culture with cycling. Therefore, the decision to use historical and present elements for the awards was a logical consequence.
The Truffle – award for the Istria300 course
Istrians call the truffle “the gold of Istria”. Several excellent types of truffles grow on the peninsula almost year-round, while the most treasured one, the white truffle or Tuber magnatum pico, comes to the market in the autumn. The heart of the truffle region is Motovun, which will be passed on all three courses. By the way: October is one of the best months for fresh truffles.
The Boškarin – award for the Istria235 course
Boškarin, the autochthonous Istrian ox with massive horns, has always been the most crucial farm animal in Istria. It is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The farmers used the Boškarin for ploughing and pulling carts. Around 1990 the breed was threatened extinction, but a specific program helped to overcome this period.
Kažun – award for the Istria155 course
In southern Istria, there are numerous stone cottages (kažun), roundhouses with a cone roof and small doors, whose white stone shines brightly in the Istrian sun. Those stone cottages served as shelters for shepherds and farmers who worked all day outdoors to feed their families. If you look at a Kažun stone roof from a bird’s eye view, it reminds you of a wheel cassette.
