Krapina-Zagorje County, renowned for its picturesque hills and rich cultural heritage, tomorrow, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, becomes the epicenter of international cycling. The setting is Stubičke Toplice, which will host the prestigious international recreational cycling race titled "Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025.". This sporting event has attracted the attention of more than three hundred and ten cycling enthusiasts from approximately ten different countries, thereby confirming its growing reputation and importance on the international sports scene. The organizers announce a spectacle that will combine sporting spirit, natural beauty, and the warmth of the hosts, offering participants and visitors an unforgettable experience.

What is Granfondo and what awaits the participants of "Roonda Stubaki 2025."?

Granfondo, a term of Italian origin that literally means "big ride," denotes a type of organized, mass-participation, long-distance cycling race. Although they include an element of competition with timekeeping and rankings, Granfondo events are above all a celebration of cycling, endurance, and community. They are intended for a wide range of cyclists, from experienced amateurs to recreational riders who want to test their limits in a stimulating environment. It is precisely this spirit that "Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025." cultivates.

Competitors can expect a challenging, yet extremely attractive course 92 kilometers long, with a total elevation gain of about 750 meters. The route has been carefully designed to showcase all the splendor of the undulating and hilly terrain of Hrvatsko Zagorje, passing through picturesque settlements and offering beautiful panoramic views. The heart of the event will be located in Stubičke Toplice, where the start and finish of the race will be organized in Maksimilijan Vrhovec Park. It is planned that the entire gathering of participants, including registration and distribution of start numbers, will begin as early as 8:30 AM, thus creating an opportunity for socializing and preparation before the main challenge. The start of the race itself is scheduled for 10:45 AM.

All cyclists who feel physically prepared for the length and demands of the course are eligible to participate, provided they have registered in time and paid the entry fee. A special note applies to younger participants – those aged 16 to 18 may compete, but with the mandatory written consent of a parent or guardian, which is submitted when picking up the start package. Each registered competitor receives a rich start package which usually includes a commemorative T-shirt, sports socks, refreshments on the course and at the finish, and of course, a finisher's medal as a lasting memory of the achievement. The organizers have planned several "feed zones" along the course, where cyclists will be able to replenish fluids (water, isotonic drinks) and energy (fruit, energy bars).

When it comes to equipment, the race is primarily intended for road bikes. It is important that the bicycle is in technically sound condition. Electric bikes and time trial bikes are not allowed. For safety reasons, wearing a protective cycling helmet is mandatory throughout the entire race for all participants, and failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification.

Extensive safety measures and special traffic regulation

The safety of all race participants, as well as other citizens, is the absolute priority of the organizers. Therefore, "Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025." will be held with extensive security measures. Police officers, numerous stewards, members of local volunteer fire departments (DVDs), and motorcycle units will be present on site to escort the head of the race and ensure the clear passage of the route. Due to the nature of the event, traffic on the sections through which the race passes will be partially regulated, and in some parts, occasionally completely closed to ensure the smooth and safe passage of cyclists.

The organizers have also published a detailed schedule of the expected passage of competitors through individual settlements, so that local residents and other road users can plan their movements in time. The schedule is as follows:

• Stubičke Toplice (start zone): 10:30 – 10:50


• Donja Stubica: 10:48 – 10:55


• Gornja Stubica: 10:55 – 11:00


• Poznanovec: 11:15 – 11:25


• Lovrečan: 11:20 – 11:30


• Zlatar: 11:24 – 11:35


• Mače: 11:32 – 11:42


• Mihovljan: 11:45 – 12:00


• Radoboj: 11:59 – 12:15


• Sveti Križ Začretje: 12:20 – 12:35


• Mirkovec: 12:33 – 12:50


• Križanče: 12:37 – 12:55


• Bedekovčina: 12:45 – 13:00


• Poznanovec (second passage): 12:50 – 13:05


• Banšćica: 12:50 – 13:15


• Gornja Stubica (second passage): 12:50 – 14:20


• Donja Stubica (second passage): 12:50 – 14:25


• Stubičke Toplice (finish zone): arrival of the first competitors is expected from 12:50, and others by 14:30

A particularly important notice for residents and visitors of Stubičke Toplice and Donja Stubica concerns the complete closure to traffic of the road section from the Chapel of Saint Catherine to the intersection at the entrance to the Jezerčica complex. This section will be closed on two occasions:

• First closure: from 10:00 to 10:55


• Second closure: from 12:40 to 14:30

During the closure of the aforementioned section, detour routes are provided:

1. From the direction of Stubičke Toplice towards Donja Stubica: Stubičke Toplice - Kapelšćak – Pustodol - Donja Stubica.


2. From the direction of Donja Stubica towards Oroslavje/Stubičkim Toplicama: Donja Stubica – Kamenjak – Andraševec - Oroslavje.

Given that the race route passes along public roads that will not be completely closed for the entire duration of the race (except for the aforementioned exceptions), all participants are obliged to strictly adhere to the Road Traffic Safety Act and valid traffic regulations of the Republic of Croatia. This includes riding on the right side of the road and following the instructions of stewards and police.

Get involved: Support from the sidelines and volunteer contribution

To ensure that "Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025." is not only a sporting success but also a true celebration for the entire community, the Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board and the Stubičke Toplice Municipality Tourist Board extend a cordial invitation to all residents of the settlements through which the race passes, as well as to all other citizens and visitors, to come out in front of their homes, gather along the road (at a safe distance) and loudly cheer on the brave cyclists. Your presence and encouragement will not only give the competitors additional strength and motivation but will also significantly contribute to the overall atmosphere of the event and, very importantly, passively contribute to the safety of the competitors themselves by further alerting other road users to the race taking place.

The organizers say: "Let's together make our roads a playground full of fans! Your support means a lot to us!"

In addition to cheering, all interested citizens who wish to contribute more actively to the successful realization of this event can register as volunteers or stewards. Any help is welcome, whether it is assistance at refreshment points, directing competitors, or helping in the start-finish zone. For applications and all additional information about volunteering, you can contact via e-mail address: roonda@stubaki-outdoor.com or by mobile phone number: 097 6393 025. Join the team and be a part of this positive sports story!

Promotion of Zagorje as a top cyclotourism destination

"Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025." is not just a one-day sporting event; it is an important cog in the broader strategy of promoting Krapina-Zagorje County, popularly called "A Fairy Tale on the Palm of Your Hand," as an attractive and desirable cyclotourism destination. Through the "Zagorje Outdoor" project, the county tourist board continuously works on developing and marking cycling routes, creating quality infrastructure, and promoting the natural and cultural riches of the region among lovers of active holidays.

The race route has been carefully chosen to guide participants through some of the most beautiful parts of Zagorje, revealing to them the charms of gentle hills, green forests, well-kept vineyards, and villages with rich tradition and history. This event is an ideal opportunity to present to numerous domestic and foreign guests not only the natural beauties but also the rich eno-gastronomic offer, the thermal springs for which Stubičke Toplice are widely known, and numerous castles and manors that testify to the turbulent past of this region.

Investment in cyclotourism is recognized as one of the key directions for the development of continental tourism in Croatia. Events like this Granfondo significantly contribute to better visibility of the destination, attracting new guests outside the main summer season, and stimulating the local economy. In addition to direct economic effects through the spending of participants and visitors (accommodation, hospitality), such events also have long-term promotional effects, positioning Zagorje as a region that offers quality facilities for active holidays.

For all those who wish to explore the race route in more detail, an interactive map is available on the Google Maps service, with a precisely marked route and positions of stewards, which can be useful for competitors for preparation, as well as for spectators for planning the best viewing positions.

Support for development through strategic investments

The realization of such a demanding project as the international cycling race "Granfondo Roonda Stubaki 2025." would not be possible without significant financial and organizational support. It is important to emphasize that funds for this project were secured, among other sources, from the Fund for Tourist Underdeveloped Areas and the Continent of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ). This fund plays a key role in encouraging tourism development in those parts of Croatia that have great potential but need additional support to fully realize that potential. By investing in events, infrastructure, and promotion, the HTZ actively works on strengthening the competitiveness of continental tourism and diversifying the country's overall tourist offer.

The organizational burden of the race is borne by the Stubaki Outdoor association, in cooperation with the Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board and the Stubičke Toplice Municipality Tourist Board, which demonstrates a successful model of partnership between the public and civil sectors in creating quality tourism products. Their effort and enthusiasm are key to the success of this, as well as future sports and tourism events in the region. The organizers thank all involved parties, sponsors, volunteers, and the local population for their understanding, support, and cooperation in promoting active tourism and sporting spirit in Krapina-Zagorje County.

It is expected that tomorrow's race will proceed in the best order, filled with sporting excitement and positive energy, and that all participants and visitors will take home beautiful memories from Stubičke Toplice and Hrvatsko Zagorje.