The third edition of the popular recreational cycling race GRANFONDO STUBAKI, held on May 11, 2025, once again confirmed the status of Stubičke Toplice as an unmissable destination for cycling enthusiasts. This sporting event, which year after year attracts an increasing number of participants and visitors, has transformed the picturesque Hrvatsko Zagorje into a vibrant arena of sport, recreation, and socializing. An impressive 315 registered competitors, of whom 281 bravely started from the starting line, testifies to the growing popularity of this event. Participants had the opportunity to tackle a demanding, yet exceptionally attractive route, which took them through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the green heart of Hrvatsko Zagorje.

A Two-Day Celebration of Cycling for All Generations

This year's GRANFONDO STUBAKI surpassed expectations, offering a two-day program filled with cycling excitement and fun for all ages. The sports weekend began on Saturday, May 10, with the "Kids race ROONDA 2025." event. This innovative virtual race on trainers provided the youngest enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience the thrill of competitive spirit and the joy of cycling in a safe and encouraging environment. Children participated with enthusiasm, sharing laughter and cheering for one another, thus creating unforgettable memories and laying the foundations for future generations of cyclists.

Sunday, May 11, was reserved for the main event – the GRANFONDO STUBAKI main race. However, the excitement was not limited to the competitive part. Visitors could enjoy a rich accompanying program that further enriched the overall experience. Particular attention was drawn to the exhibition of old bicycles, which offered a nostalgic journey through the history of this popular means of transport and sports equipment. A real treat for lovers of retro style was "Vintage Roonda", a unique cycling tour 30 kilometers long. Participants on bicycles older than 30 years rode through the picturesque Zagorje hills, dressed in accordance with the fashion of past times, creating scenes that exuded charm and elegance.

A Challenging Course Through Picturesque Zagorje

The start and finish of the race were located in the heart of Stubičke Toplice, a famous spa and tourist destination that is increasingly investing in the development of cyclo-tourism. The race route, an impressive 91.7 kilometers long with about 770 meters of total ascent, represented a true test of endurance and skill for all participants. Cyclists passed through numerous picturesque Zagorje towns, each with its own specific charm and beauty. The route led them through Donja and Gornja Stubica, Samci, Banšćica, Gusakovec, Selnica, Poznanovec, Zlatar, Mače, Mihovljan, and Radoboj, where the first refreshment station was organized at the 47th kilometer, offering cyclists much-needed refreshment and energy. The continuation of the route led through Lepajce, Gornja and Donja Pačetina, Sveti Križ Začretje, and Mirkovec, where the second refreshment station awaited them at the 67th kilometer. The final part of the course passed through Križanče, Bedekovčina, and Dubovec, before returning to Stubičke Toplice. Every kilometer of this course offered beautiful views of the Zagorje hills, green forests, and gentle villages, confirming why Hrvatsko Zagorje bears the epithet "a fairy tale on the palm of your hand".

Uncompromising Safety and Top-Notch Organization

The safety of all participants was the absolute priority of the organizers. In cooperation with the Krapina-Zagorje County Police Department, escort and traffic regulation were ensured throughout the entire race. Numerous police officers, marshals on motorcycles, and lead and service vehicles were deployed along the course, ensuring that everything proceeded in the best possible order. A so-called "broom wagon" vehicle followed the back of the race, ensuring that no one was left without assistance. This impeccable organization of the safety aspect of the race allowed cyclists to fully concentrate on riding and enjoying the sporting challenge.

Volunteers – The Invaluable Strength of the Event

An indispensable part of the success of the GRANFONDO STUBAKI race is its volunteers. Nearly one hundred members of voluntary fire brigades from the towns through which the race passed, as well as numerous other individuals, contributed with their selfless dedication, enthusiasm, and smiles to creating an exceptionally positive atmosphere. Their commitment and willingness to help at every moment – from preparing the course, assisting at refreshment stations, to directing cyclists and providing support – left a deep impression on all participants and visitors. Competitors particularly highlighted the cordiality and warmth with which they were welcomed, emphasizing that the volunteers are the heart and soul of this event.

Support That Gives a Tailwind

A large number of fans also gathered along the course, providing support to the cyclists with loud cheering, applause, and banners. Their energy and enthusiasm created unforgettable scenes and further motivated the competitors to give their best. Pictures of cheerful fans along the roadsides, children waving flags, and local residents greeting the cyclists conveyed a wonderful image of the hospitality of Hrvatsko Zagorje and showed how much this region lives for sport and recreation. This synergy between competitors, volunteers, and the audience created a unique sports celebration.

International Character and Promotion of the Region

GRANFONDO STUBAKI 2025 confirmed its international character, bringing together cyclists from as many as nine countries. Alongside domestic competitors from Croatia, representatives from Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Australia, and Montenegro were at the start line. Such diversity of participants further contributes to the promotion of Krapina-Zagorje County and Stubičke Toplice as an attractive cyclo-tourism destination on the international scene. An event like this plays a key role in positioning Zagorje as a region that offers top conditions for active holidays, a rich cultural heritage, and beautiful nature.

Fastest on the Course: Winners of This Year's Edition

After an exciting and uncertain battle on the course, the winners of the third edition of the GRANFONDO STUBAKI race were announced. In the women's competition, Gergana Stoyanova from Bulgaria, a member of the ARBÖ Rapso Knittelfeld team, celebrated victory. She completed the course in an impressive 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds, achieving an average speed of 40.3 km/h. Second place was taken by last year's winner, Maja Mencigar from Slovenia, while Andrea Heged from Croatia, a member of the Maraton cycling club, climbed to the third place on the podium.

In the men's competition, the victory was taken by the young and promising Roko Doljanin, a member of the Posedarje Cycling Club. His winning time was 2 hours, 1 minute, and 20 seconds, with an average speed of as much as 41.6 km/h. Second place went to Matej Drinovec from Slovenia, a member of ARBÖ Kärnten Sport Feld am See, while third place was won by another Slovenian cyclist, Matija Meden from the ŠD Rikiteam club. Congratulations to all the winners, as well as to all participants who successfully overcame the challenges of this demanding race. All results are available on the official website of the race timekeeper.

A Symbol of Unity and Love for Cycling

The official award ceremony was held in the beautiful ambiance of Maksimilijan Vrhovec Park in Stubičke Toplice. On that occasion, the race director, Mr. Ivan Dolić, thanked all participants for their arrival and sportsmanship, volunteers for their selfless efforts, partners for their support, and local communities for their hospitality. He emphasized that GRANFONDO STUBAKI has become much more than just a race – it has grown into a symbol of unity, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, recreation, and a sincere love for nature and cycling. The race organizers, the Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board and the Stubičke Toplice Municipality Tourist Board, invested great effort in the realization of this project, and funds were also secured from the Croatian National Tourist Board's Fund for Tourist Underdeveloped Areas and Continental Croatia, which confirms the importance of this event for the development of continental tourism.

The next edition of the race in 2026 is eagerly awaited, with the promise that it will be even bigger, better, and more massive. GRANFONDO STUBAKI continues to grow, attracting more and more cycling enthusiasts and promoting Hrvatsko Zagorje as a top destination for active holidays.