Well-established Slovenian spring classic will once again attract 30 teams. On Sunday, March 23, we can expect 176 cyclists on the roads of Slovenian Istria. With the support of the Slovenian Tourist Board, the race will be broadcast live on Planet TV 2.

After a series of races in the Croatian Istria, cycling action in this part of Europe moves to Slovenia, but remains close to the sea.

Challenging loops promise an exciting race

The route of the Grand Prix of Slovenian Istria powered by I Feel Slovenia remains unchanged from previous years, ensuring a thrilling race with an unpredictable sprint finish. The four large laps, featuring the climb to Barede, allow teams to set a fierce pace and wear down the fast riders. The descent into Dragonja is followed by a flat section past the Sečovlje salt pans to Portorož, before three short climbs along the main road past Strunjan and over Belvedere, returning to Izola. The finale includes three additional 7-kilometer loops.

Once again, prizes will be awarded for the best climber, based on points from the four KOM finishes on Barede, and for the best sprinter, based on points from the intermediate sprints in the final three laps in Izola.

Last year’s breakaway too strong for a reduced peloton

Last year’s race was highly dynamic, with the decisive attack happening already in the fourth and final large lap. More than 50 kilometers from the finish, Riccardo Zoidl (Team Felt Felbermayr) broke away from the peloton. He was later joined by six more riders, and together they maintained a lead of about 30 seconds over the peloton, which had been significantly reduced due to the high pace.

In the end, Polish rider Marcin Budzinski (Mazowsze Serce Polski) won the sprint from a two-man breakaway, beating Dutchman Max van der Meulen (CTF Victorious). Zoidl finished 7 seconds behind them, just ahead of the peloton, which was led by Anže Skok (Adria Mobil) in the sprint for fourth place.

Broadcast on Planet TV 2 and Youtube channel Slovenia Cycling

On March 27, the peloton will head to Goriška Brda for the Grand Prix Brda-Collio, held for the second consecutive year. Then, on Sunday, March 30, the riders will move to the Dolenjska region for the 10th edition of the Grand Prix Adria Mobil. All three races will be broadcast live on Planet TV 2.