Women are in the fast lane at Istria300
At the third edition of the road cycling event in Poreč, the organizers are launching a special program for passionate female road cyclists. “With the Istria300 Ladies we want to inspire even more women for cycling,” says project manager and Liv Ambassador Valerie Rupitsch.
Road cycling is becoming more feminine. More and more women are discovering the joy of the sport, which allows them to discover and explore the landscape and nature at the same time. Istria300 is now taking this trend into account with its own Ladies program. “In the first two years, the number of female participants has risen continuously. Now we want to use it to inspire even more women for cycling,” says Istria300 Ladies Project Manager and Liv Ambassador Valerie Rupitsch. “In the organization we set high standards for ourselves and want to consolidate our reputation as a ‘first mover’. With the Ladies Program, we have again brought an innovative offer to the road bike market.”
Above all, however, with an exceptional guest of honor: Catherine Rossmann from Germany. The lawyer pedals more than 20,000 kilometers a year, won the 2022 Ötztal Cycling Marathon and is the icon of amateur women’s cycling. Rossmann is not only competing in the Istria300 for the first time but for the first time on the Croatian peninsula. “I’m looking forward to exploring Istria on a road bike. On 300 kilometers, you certainly get a great impression of the area. So far, I’ve heard nothing but the best.” Rossmann will have the honor of starting with the number 300. She succeeds none other than Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli, who won the 2021 Paris-Roubaix classic and represented Poreč last year.
In addition to Rossmann as the face of the initiative, the Istria300 Ladies program will also be made visible on bib numbers, goodie bags and jerseys – violet for the ladies is the name of the game. There will also be dedicated Ladies Dixie toilets on all courses, and at the finish line, the choice between a glass of Malvazia, the typical white wine from Istria, or Heineken beer.
Actually, the event is already sold out with 2,500 registrations. With one exception: women can continue registering at the regular price until the end of August with the promo code Istria300Ladies. In addition, something extraordinary awaits the first 50 registrations: a basic training plan from former professional cyclist Mia Radotić, tips and tricks for mental strength from Olympic snowboarding champion and Istria300 testimonial Nicola Thost, and a “Meet & Greet” with Catherine Rossmann on October 5 in Porec.
The event in autumn enjoys great popularity. Logically, when in Germany and Austria the autumn arrives with fog, rain and cold weather, one can extend the summer in Istria and ride with friends once again road bike – sea view included. “The temperatures and the pleasant climate are just perfect at this time for long rides, when it is no longer hot but still pleasantly warm,” says “landlady” and Istria300 Ladies Coach Mia Radotić.
As in the first two editions, the concept that gives complete flexibility to road cyclists remains the same: there are three routes but only one entry fee. The decision whether to ride 156, 230 or 300 kilometers can be made on the course. It couldn’t be simpler.
The same applies to the entire stay. Thanks to the promo code, participants save at selected Valamar hotels on event weekend. An Early Bird breakfast on race day and the possibility to store the bikes in the rooms complete the Valamar service. It’s not for nothing that “Valamar loves Bike.“
