Cyclists in love with the sport, with a love for nature and competing on extremely fast and difficult tracks, know the MTB Parenzana Stage Race is for them. A three-day marathon taking place close to the sea and in inland Istria, with changing scenes and views through which cyclists from across Europe chase their bikes was held again this year at the end of September, this time in exceptionally lovely sunny weather.
The race is divided into three special competitions participants could choose from, but the winner’s list only counted those who participated in all three days.
Funtana, Vrsar, Poreč, Tar, Vižinada, Grožnjan and Motovun and certainly sections of the old railroad Parenzana marked this race, by some the toughest of the season, but also the loveliest due to different landscapes the cyclists pass through.
Naturally they don’t have much time for scenery since their attention must always be focused on riding, with fast sections alongside vineyards or steep ascent and descents.
A large portion of participants has been coming to the race for years and combines it with an extended vacation in still ideal climate of Istria at this time of year. This year it was interesting to see famous faces of the cycling world who decided to return to their old love, MTB or just taste new adventures.
We had the opportunity to notice Tour of Croatia winner Matija Kvasina, former MTB race ruler in the region, Matej Lovšet or the multiple champion and permanent world cup guest Tanja Žakelj, but also other interesting cyclists who make or will make history in the sport.
The first section in the Funtana area was a sprinting one, fast without technically difficult points, the second section beginning and ending in Tar sets the technical bar somewhat higher. The Sunday section is a story for itself, unreachable to some, tough and exhausting to others, but loveliest to all and as all things impregnable offer a special charm of entering the finish in Vižinada after 73 or 55 km of tough Istrian terrain.
The total winner in the Elite category of all three days is Gregor Dimic (Energija Team), while victory in the female Elite category went to Tanja Žakelj (Unior Tools Team), with the best positioned Croat in the toughest category being Matija Kvasina in fifth place.
Besides the competition and surpassing one’s limits, MTB Parenzana marathon serves as a great promoter of the beauty of Istrian lands for cycling tourism, recognised by the tourism boards of Funtana, Vrsar, Tar and Poreč, who have been supporting the race for years alongside IRTA and other sponsors.
Complete results are available here.
