NOVA Eroica Istria
The legendary cycling event for the first time in Croatia:
NOVA Eroica Istria – Truffle Tour is coming to Istria in September 2025
This fall, Croatia will write a new page in the history of the world-renowned cycling event – Eroica is coming to Croatia for the first time! On Sunday, September 21st 2025, Istria will play host to the spectacular event: NOVA Eroica Istria – Truffle Tour is a unique gravel bicycle tour which will blend sports, nature and culinary delights.
The Eroica brand was born in 1997. In the Italian region of Tuscany (Giaole in Chianti), envisioned by Giancarlo Brocci as an initiative for the preservation of picturesque rural gravel roads and the romantic cycling tradition. The original “L’Eroica” is ridden in vintage attire and vintage bicycles, mainly on unpaved roads, invoking the spirit of bygone days. Today, aside from its classic version, Eroica also has its modern sister – NOVA Eroica, intended for the growingly popular gravel bicycles, which have become a global trend within the cycling community.
A spectacular route through the heart of Istria
The first Croatian NOVA Eroica will take place in the northwest of Istria, riding through the most beautiful part of the region – along the Parenzana route, through Brtonigla, Buje, Crveni Vrh, Kanegra, Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Livade and Motovun, while Novigrad will be the focal point of the event, as the starting and finish point for all routes, along with a rich accompanying programme.
As much as 80 % of the route passes along gravel roads, making this cycling event authentically “Eroica” – challenging, but also visually stunning, focused on sustainable and responsible growth, while simultaneously highlighting the beauty of the authentic Istrian landscape. Participants will remember the beautiful Istrian scenery and the uphill and downhill gravel roads as the cycling experience of their lives.
Three-day festival of cycling, nature and taste
For three days, Novigrad will host the EXPO zone, with various exhibitors, a rich culinary offer, animations and programmes for all ages. Saturday, September 20th, brings us the MINI bike tour for families and companions, and the Tour Ciclo Club Eroica – an organized tour of local farm and tasting of local products. As part of the event, the three main cycling routes are planned for Sunday, September 21st.
Three routes – something for everybody
Truffles Route – 150 km (competitive)
Teran Route – 100 km (competitive)
Malvasia Route – 60 km (recreational / cyclotourist)
Submissions are open!
NOVA-Eroica-Istria/Registration
Eroica in Istria – more than a race
NOVA Eroica Istria is not just a cycling challenge – it’s a lifestyle, a way of promoting sustainable tourism, nature and cultural heritage, Istrian truffles and local products, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Istrian gravel roads and safe and attractive cycle routes.
Join us on this historic event and become part of the global Eroica family – because in Istria, cycling has a special flavour!
Organisers:
ISTRIA TOURIST BOARD
CITY OF NOVIGRAD-CITTANOVA
NOVIGRAD-CITTANOVA TOURIST BOARD
WITH NORTHWEST ISTRIA CLUSTER
