Over the past years, CRO Race has grown into one of the most recognizable Croatian sporting events, but also into a project that reaches far beyond the framework of the sports competition itself. It is a unique platform that connects the passion of top-level sport, the beauty of Croatian landscapes, the strength of local communities, and a sense of togetherness among people. Each stage of the race tells a special story about the destinations, regions, customs, people, and places it passes through, and thanks to partners on the ground, these stories become authentic, recognizable, and visible to the wider domestic and international public.
A special place in this year’s edition of CRO Race belongs to Pula, a city of rich history, distinctive cultural heritage, and a unique Mediterranean identity. The arrival of one of the most significant cycling races in Croatia to Pula proves that this is truly a city of boxing and cycling!
The start in Pula will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026, with the central event set right next to the Pula Arena. From 11:40 a.m., the presentation and signing of the start list of world-renowned cyclists is scheduled, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in world cycling up close. Following the presentation, the closed-course ride begins at 11:50 a.m., during which the cycling caravan will move through the streets of Pula. The route will start from the Arena via Flavijevska Street, continue along Ulica starih statuta towards the Riva, then via Flaciusova Street, through Dobrilina Street and Laginjina Street, all the way to Giardin, where a lap will be completed. After the second lap, the open race begins, that is, the official continuation of the race towards the finish in Rijeka.
Due to the race and for the safety of all participants, the streets mentioned will be temporarily closed to traffic approximately from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. We invite all residents, visitors, and sports enthusiasts to come out onto the streets, support the cyclists, and be part of this great sporting event with their cheering.
This year’s edition of the race carries additional importance, as CRO Race is held in the UCI ProSeries category, representing significant international recognition of the quality of the organization, the sporting significance of the race, and its promotional value for Croatia. Entry into this category confirms that CRO Race has reached a new level of relevance in world cycling and further strengthens its position among the most important sporting events in Croatia and the region. This step forward is especially important for every tourist destination that is a partner of the race. Through international television broadcasts, digital platforms, official communication channels, and promotional materials, the image of Croatia and its destinations travels to viewers, sports enthusiasts, tourists, and travelers around the world. Cycling is, in this context, a particularly powerful communication framework, a sport that symbolizes endurance, discipline, strength, movement, and effort, while at the same time inviting the discovery of places, nature, culture, and local identity.
See you on Friday, 25 September, in Pula! Come to the Arena, meet top cyclists, be part of the CRO Race start, and let’s create an atmosphere to remember together. We invite all residents and visitors to come out onto the streets and support the cyclists on their way through Pula with loud cheering!
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