Only a few weeks separate us from the start of the jubilee, tenth edition of the international cycling race CRO Race, an event that in the past decade has become synonymous with top-level sport and the spectacular promotion of Croatia throughout the world. From September 30 to October 5, 2025, Croatian roads will once again host the elite of world cycling, and one of the most anticipated chapters of this sporting story will be written in Kvarner. Namely, the island of Krk proudly takes on the role of hosting the start of the fourth stage, scheduled for October 3, which will place this pearl of the Adriatic in the spotlight of the global sporting public.

This prestigious event, included in the calendar of the World Cycling Union (UCI), represents much more than just a competition. CRO Race is a moving postcard that, through television broadcasts in more than 190 countries worldwide, showcases the stunning landscapes of Croatia, merging its continental and coastal beauty into a unique experience. Millions of viewers on six continents will have the opportunity to witness not only the sporting competition but also the natural and cultural riches that make our country a unique cyclotourism destination. It is precisely this synergy of sport and tourism that is the key to the success of the race, which grows and strengthens its international reputation year after year.

The Golden Island as the perfect stage for a cycling spectacle

The fourth stage, which starts from the historic town of Krk, will be a true test of endurance and tactical maturity for the competitors. The island of Krk, also known as the "golden island," provides the ideal backdrop for such an event. Its indented coastline, picturesque interior intertwined with olive groves and vineyards, and ascents leading to ancient castles present a challenging and visually attractive course. The cyclists will pedal through some of the most beautiful parts of the island, and spectators along the route and in front of their screens will be able to enjoy breathtaking scenes. The choice of Krk to host the start of one of the key stages confirms its status as a leading Kvarner destination and an ideal place for an active holiday. Many visitors who come to watch the race will surely want to explore all the charms the island has to offer, and finding the ideal accommodation on Krk is the starting point for an unforgettable experience.

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires flawless cooperation at all levels. The project was wholeheartedly supported by the City of Krk and the Krk Tourist Board, as well as the tourist boards of the municipalities of Malinska-Dubašnica, Dobrinj, Omišalj, Punat, Baška, and Vrbnik. The synergy of all stakeholders, from local communities to the regional Kvarner Tourist Board and the umbrella Tourist Board of the island of Krk, is key to creating a top-notch experience for both competitors and visitors. Their joint effort ensures that the island of Krk will be presented in the best possible light, as a hospitable host ready to meet the highest standards of sports event organization.

Overview of the stages of the jubilee tenth edition of CRO Race

This year's route, nearly a thousand kilometers long, will take the caravan through different parts of Croatia, offering diverse challenges and landscapes. Each of the six stages has its own character and holds the potential for dramatic turnarounds in the overall standings.

• 1st stage (162.5 km): Split – Sinj - The race begins in the heart of Dalmatia, from Split, and the finish of the first leg is in the knightly town of Sinj. A dynamic battle is expected on the way through the Dalmatian hinterland.


• 2nd stage (119.0 km): Biograd na Moru – Novalja - The second stage takes the caravan from the royal town of Biograd na Moru to Novalja on the island of Pag. Although shorter, this stage can be unpredictable due to the potential influence of the wind.


• 3rd stage (150.5 km): Gospić – Rijeka - From the heart of Lika, Gospić, the cyclists head towards Croatia's largest port, Rijeka. This stage connects mountainous and coastal landscapes and could be decisive for climbing specialists.


• 4th stage (187.5 km): Krk – Labin - The longest and, according to many, the "queen" stage of the race. It starts in the town of Krk, crosses most of the island, and then moves across Kvarner to Istria, with a demanding finish in the old town of Labin. The ride through the beautiful landscapes of the island of Krk will be a visual spectacle.


• 5th stage (151.5 km): Karlovac – Sveta Nedelja - The fifth leg takes the cyclists from the city on four rivers, Karlovac, to Sveta Nedelja in the immediate vicinity of Zagreb, often offering an opportunity for sprinters before the final showdown.


• 6. etapa (156.5 km): Samobor – Zagreb - The grand finale is traditionally reserved for the capital city. The last stage starts from the charming town of Samobor and ends on the streets of Zagreb, where the overall winner of the tenth edition of the CRO Race will be crowned.

Global visibility and media coverage

One of the most important aspects of the CRO Race is its extraordinary media coverage. Live broadcasts are provided by Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) and the global sports giant Eurosport. Thanks to the satellite signal distributed worldwide, images from Croatian roads reach hundreds of millions of households. This promotional effect is immeasurable, as the race showcases not only the sporting competition but also the natural beauty, cultural heritage, eno-gastronomic offer, and hospitality of the hosts. Helicopter shots of the coast, islands, national parks, and historic cities become the most beautiful invitation to visit Croatia, positioning it as an attractive and desirable destination on the global tourism market.

Through dynamic climbs, fast descents, tense sprints, and tactical battles for every second, CRO Race offers top-tier sports content. Spectators can expect the participation of some of the world's most famous teams and cyclists, guaranteeing a week of excitement and suspense. The tenth edition carries a special weight and symbolism, celebrating the perseverance, growth, and success of a project that has firmly placed Croatia on the world cycling map. The island of Krk, as the host of the fourth stage start, proudly becomes part of this great story, ready to welcome the world's best cyclists and show them its most beautiful face.