CRO RACE 2026 THROUGH MATULJI

 

Matulji was once again part of the major cycling spectacle CRO Race, which passed through the roads of our municipality at the end of September, once again bringing together top-level sport, spectacular scenery and the promotion of Croatian destinations.

During two stages, on 24 and 25 September, the race passed through the Municipality of Matulji, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the race live along the route.

The 11th edition of CRO Race was particularly significant due to the race's new status. CRO Race was included in the UCI ProSeries category, further strengthening its position among the most important international cycling races. A total of 19 teams took part, with cyclists set to cover approximately 940 kilometres over six stages, with more than 12,000 metres of total elevation gain.

 

The first passage took place on Thursday, 24 September, as part of Stage 3 from Krk to Labin. Coming from the direction of the island of Krk, the race passed through the Matulji interchange and continued towards Opatija, providing an opportunity for our area to feature in the coverage of one of Croatia's major cycling races.

 

The following day, Friday, 25 September, CRO Race returned to Matulji, this time as part of Stage 4 from Pula to Rijeka. Before the race reached the settlements of Matulji, a special welcome awaited the cyclists on Učka, at the stage's intermediate finish point. There, the Mune Bell Ringers (Munski zvončari) welcomed the riders, bringing the distinctive sound and tradition of our region into the heart of this major sporting event.

 

 

After Učka, the race continued through Bregi, Rukavac, Jušići and Ružići, where the youngest supporters gathered along the route. In Rukavac and Jušići, children from Dr Andrija Mohorovičić Primary School, as well as children from the Rukavac and Jušići kindergartens, enthusiastically welcomed the cyclists, cheering, applauding and seeing them off on their way towards Viškovo. Their energy and smiles gave the race a particularly warm local atmosphere.These are precisely the moments that make events like this special – connecting a major international sporting event with the people, places and traditions of the area through which the race passes.

 

 

 

CRO Race is broadcast in 190 countries around the world, making the race's passage through Matulji a kind of postcard from our region. From the views of Učka, through Bregi, Rukavac and Jušići to Ružići, the landscapes and people that make Matulji were captured in television broadcasts and photographs.The Munski zvončari and the youngest supporters showcased two important aspects of our region: the traditions we preserve and the generations who carry them forward.Thank you to everyone who came out along the route and supported the cyclists with their cheers. Special thanks to Pusno društvo Mune, the children, educators, teachers and everyone who took part in this sporting event.