The spectacle starts in Split – jubilee edition of the CRO Race
# CRO Race Kicks Off in Split: Celebrating a Decade of Cycling Excellence
**September 29, 2025**
The vibrant city of Split is set to host the jubilee edition of the CRO Race, marking a decade of this thrilling cycling spectacle that transforms Croatia into a stunning sports postcard. From September 30 to October 5, 2025, the event will gather elite cyclists from around the globe for six challenging stages spanning a total of 925 kilometers.
At a press conference held in Solin, Croatia, officials and cycling enthusiasts expressed excitement for the upcoming race. Technical director Luka Mišović shared, “I’m thrilled that our years-long wish has come true—the tenth edition is starting tomorrow in Split. We’re happy to be able to bring together the two largest cities in Croatia—Split and Zagreb. Before us are six stages, 925 kilometers, 20 elite teams, and 140 professional riders. Each stage will bring new challenges, steep climbs, and exciting finishes, making this a race deserving of a place among the most exciting in Europe.”
Mate Omazić, head of the city of Split’s Administrative Department for Social Activities, highlighted the unique opportunity the race provides to showcase the beauty of Split-Dalmatia County to the world.
Among the professional riders, Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe’s Danny van Poppel voiced his enthusiasm for competing in Croatia: “I can hardly wait to start my first race in Croatia and get to know the country. I’m a sprint specialist, so I’ll have plenty of chances for a stage win. We’ve got plenty of young riders who are good climbers in the crew for this race, and who could fight for a win in the general classification.”
Fran Miholjević, the only Croatian rider on a WorldTour team, will be making his fifth appearance at the CRO Race. “It will be a dynamic race that should be up in the air until the very last day,” he noted. “This is my last race of the season, so my form is on the way down, but I’ll make up for it with motivation as I’ll be riding in front of local crowds.”
In addition to the professional competition, the sixth edition of the Kids CRO Race also garnered attention as over 150 young cyclists participated in a thrilling race alongside State Secretary Zrinka Mužinić Bikić. “I’m exceptionally happy that Split has the honour of hosting the first Kids CRO Race this year. Today, we’ve all witnessed something that transcends mere results,” she said, underscoring the importance of fostering healthy habits among youth.
The event attracted participants across various categories, with standout performances from young cyclists such as Vanja Kaurloto and Andrija Miletić in the 9-10-year-old category, and Klara Maslić and Frano Vidović in the 11-12-year-old category.
With 20 teams from UCI WorldTeams, UCI ProTeams, and UCI Continental Teams set to compete, the CRO Race promises an exhilarating blend of stunning scenery and fierce competition. Broadcasted in over 190 countries, the race will not only showcase elite cycling but also highlight Croatia’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Supported by the Croatian government and various local and national organizations, this 10th edition of the CRO Race aims to solidify Croatia’s reputation as a global hub for sporting excellence. As the countdown to the race continues, anticipation grows for a week of unmatched cycling and unforgettable moments.
