The Downhill Lošinj is considered a unique race which will be held on the island of Lošinj for the first time. This global event will be supported by the Red Bull Media House with live transmission on 19 TV stations. Thanks to them, the race will be shown in 99 countries, with over two million viewers expected to tune in live, reports HRTurizam on March 27, 2017.
Next year, some three hundred participants from countries all over the world will take on the island of vitality for the extreme cycling downhill race World Cup 2018 - Downhill Lošinj. The race will take place from April 21 to 22, 2018. Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli noted that the Downhill Lošinj is just one aspect of cycling tourism, and is important for the development of year-round tourism.
"Approximately 60 million bike tourists travel around the world, and they consume 30% more than other guests. Croatia in recent years has been recognized as a European biking destination. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to support quality tourism projects that are important for the promotion of Croatia in the world, especially in periods outside of the main tourist season. So we will soon launch a program aimed at developing cycling tourism, which is, next to enogastro and health tourism, an important reason for visiting the continent and the islands. In April 2017, we expect 10% more visitors than in 2016, and the Downhill Lošinj is certainly one of the events that will attract visitors,” said Cappelli.
"This year, AK Lošinj in cooperation with partners from Slovenia, will host the fourth downhill bicycle race which will be the dress rehearsal for the World Cup next year. This is a great asset and promotion of Lošinj and Croatia because until now we have never had the honor to be the hosts of such a race. Also, the race brings in a large number of media and spectators from around the world, and Lošinj should expect 10,000 visitors. It is very important that the race is held in pre-season, in the month of April, when Lošinj is otherwise without tourists,” said Miroslav Čavlek, president of AK Lošinj.
Goran Filipovic from Jadranka d.d. is honored to support the race.
"It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of the first race with five-star Lošinj hotel Hotel Bellevue. We are co-organizers of this year's smaller event for Downhill Lošinj and the grandiose World Cup Downhill 2018 in Lošinj. This is precisely the example of good cooperation, which we can make together."
Before the World Cup 2018 - Downhill Lošinj, from April 22 to 23, 2017 the fourth Downhill Lošinj race will be held. After reviewing the track and an official training on the 22nd, on April 23rd the race will begin in Veli Lošinj at 13:30 from the top of Mount Sv. Ivan, at an altitude of 250 meters. Riding down the sandy and rocky tracks, competitors will target land on the shore. The race will be organized into five categories; veteran, amateur, junior, women's and elite, which count on a worldwide scale and for the Croatian championship and Cup of Slovenia.
Along the island of vitality extends more than 250 km paths, trails, forest tracks, and obstacles that are enticing to many walkers and cyclists. Given the increasing trend of cycling in the world, Lošinj will certainly be placed as an important destination on the map as a biking destination.
