Wörthersee Gravel Race

Für die sechste Auflage des Istria300 sind zwar bereits seit wenigen Tagen alle regulären Startplätze vergeben, Frauen können sich über die Istria300 Ladies-Initiative jedoch weiterhin zum regulären Startpreis anmelden. Zusätzlich bleibt die Warteliste geöffnet, über die frei werdende Startplätze veThe sixth edition of Istria300 has been sold out for a few days, with all standard places taken. However, women can still enter at the standard entry fee through the Istria300 Ladies initiative. The waiting list also remains open, with places allocated as they become available. On 3 October, Poreč is expected to welcome 4,500 cycling enthusiasts from around the world – more than ever beforergeben werden. Am 3. Oktober werden 4.500 Radsportbegeisterte aus aller Welt in Poreč erwartet – so viele wie noch nie zuvor.

Istria300 continues its run of success this year: almost four months before the event, all standard places have already been filled. Riders from more than 40 countries will line up to experience Istria’s roads on two wheels. Austria will once again be particularly well represented, with Austrian riders traditionally accounting for a large share of the international field.

The established route format remains unchanged for 2026. All riders start together in Poreč’s historic old town and can then choose between distances of 300, 209 or 135 kilometres along the way.

A defining feature of Istria300 is that the entire route is closed to motor traffic. This creates a particularly safe and distinctive riding experience that has characterised the event for years and earned it widespread international recognition.

Istria300 has long been a fixture on the European cycling calendar, attracting ambitious amateur riders as well as well-known sporting personalities. Previous editions have featured Alexander and Sabine Payer, Christoph Sumann, Martin Koch, Robert Kranjec, Elisabeth Görgl, Andrea Pusateri and Ivica Kostelić, among others.

The main event will once again be complemented by an extensive programme of activities. In the days leading up to the race, numerous guided rides powered by Pedal & Ride Experience will depart from Bike Center Poreč, free of charge for all participants.

Through the Istria300 Ladies initiative, the event continues to champion greater female participation in road cycling. Women can still register at the standard entry fee using the code “Istria300Ladies”. The initiative aims to inspire more women to take up road cycling and make it easier for them to join the community. There is also still an opportunity for other interested riders to secure a place: any places that become available will be allocated by lottery to people on the waiting list. A limited number of entries also remain available with selected Valamar hotel packages.

For many participants, Istria300 is both the sporting highlight and the finale of their cycling season. In October, when much of Central Europe is already experiencing autumn temperatures, Istria offers ideal conditions for an active end to the season by the sea.

“Istria300 brings people from around the world together through their passion for cycling. The special atmosphere, traffic-free roads and sense of community make the event unique year after year,” says Event Director Julius Rupitsch.

Istria300 has been organised under Valamar’s patronage since its first edition in 2021. The company is strongly committed to developing cycling tourism in Istria and offers participants a range of benefits at selected hotels, including special accommodation packages, an early breakfast on race day and secure bike storage in their hotel rooms.

The Valamar Bike Center in Poreč serves as a central meeting point during the event, with modern facilities and high-quality KTM road bikes available to hire. Through its “Valamar loves Bike” initiative, Valamar underlines its long-term support for cycling in the region.

Istria300 brings cyclists from around the world to Poreč. Three distances offer different challenges: Istria300 covers 302 kilometres with 5,300 metres of elevation gain, Istria209 covers 209 kilometres with 3,300 metres of elevation gain, and Istria135 covers 134.5 kilometres with 1,800 metres of elevation gain. Riders choose their route along the way – true to the spirit of “Ride Your Limits”.

Istria is well worth exploring by road bike beyond race day, too. Between the Adriatic coast, vineyards and small inland towns, riders discover a different side of Croatia. Quiet roads wind through varied hilly countryside, connecting coastal communities with small historic towns and opening up new views along the way.

For road cyclists, this variety provides an appealing setting for cycling holidays and training camps. There is scope for longer endurance rides as well as challenging routes with plenty of climbing. The mild climate makes the region particularly attractive for group training weeks in spring and autumn. After a ride, there is time to enjoy the local cuisine, stroll through the old town or relax by the sea.

There are also plenty of options for those wishing to explore by gravel bike. The Parenzana, the former railway linking Trieste and Poreč, is now a cycle route through tunnels, over viaducts and past old stations. Gravel tracks and smaller side routes invite further exploration of the inland countryside.

Whether for a training camp, an extended race weekend or a family cycling holiday, Istria makes it possible to combine sporting goals with time away together, without long journeys between activities.