ZAGREB, May 5., 2025. – The celebration of the 10th edition of the international cycling race CRO Race – one of the most significant sporting events in Croatia – officially began with the ceremonial opening of the photo exhibition Connecting Croatia at Zagreb International Airport. Organized by Top Sport Events and Zagreb International Airport, the exhibition offers an impressive overview of moments from previous editions of the race – from hard sprints and demanding climbs to breathtaking scenes of Croatian landscapes. The photographs vividly capture the emotion, passion, and energy of the CRO Race, a unique event that seamlessly unites sport, tourism and culture.
The ceremonial opening was attended by David Gabelica, Member of the Management Board of Zagreb International Airport, Darko Vučić, Head of the Sector for Development and Competitive Sports at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Vladimir Miholjević, Director of the CRO Race, as well as numerous distinguished guests.
The Connecting Croatia exhibition was created as an introduction to the 10th anniversary edition of the CRO Race, which over the years has grown into one of Croatia’s most prominent sporting events. Its significance has been recognized by leading institutions such as the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the City of Zagreb, HEP, as well as numerous cities and counties that continuously support the race because of its strong contribution to promoting Croatia on the international stage.
Striking photographs taken during the past nine editions of the CRO Race form an exhibition that successfully captures and conveys the atmosphere, adrenaline, sporting spirit, and stunning landscapes that make CRO Race so impressive. Over the past nine years, the race has evolved into a remarkable national project that merges sport, tourism and culture, while significantly contributing to the international promotion of Croatia as an attractive sports and tourism destination.
During the official part of the event, David Gabelica, member of the Management Board of Zagreb International Airport, addressed the audience, emphasizing that Croatia is a country with a recognizable identity, rich in culture and top-tier sporting events. He added that the Connecting Croatia exhibition successfully conveys this impression to all visitors of Zagreb International Airport.
Darko Vučić, Head of the Development and Competitive Sports Sector at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, expressed the pride shared by all those who recognized the importance of this major international sporting event from the very beginning. “I hope this example will inspire other large international sports competitions,” he said, adding that events like the CRO Race, as a leading example, significantly enhance Croatia’s global recognition.
Vladimir Miholjević, Director of the CRO Race, thanked Zagreb International Airport, the hosts of the Connecting Croatia exhibition, as well as long-standing partners of the race – the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Croatian National Tourist Board, HEP, and the City of Zagreb.
The Connecting Croatia project emerged from nine editions of the race, during which an extensive collection of video and photo content was produced and shared worldwide. To this date, 53 stages have been held and over 9,000 kilometers of the race have been ridden across the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia. The CRO Race reaches every corner of our beautiful country, transforming everyday landscapes into the most stunning sporting arena in the world.
“Welcoming the 4.3 million annual passengers at Zagreb Airport with photographs from the past nine editions of the CRO Race is not only a great honor for us as organizers, but also a unique opportunity to captivate visitors from around the world with Croatia’s remarkable diversity — all showcased through a world-class sporting event featuring some of the greatest names in cycling history,” said Miholjević.
The 10th edition of the CRO Race will take place from September 30. to October 5. During six thrilling stages, elite cyclists from around the world will ride more than 1,000 kilometers through spectacular Croatian landscapes – from the sunny Dalmatian coast, beautiful Lika, through the enchanting Kvarner region, picturesque Istria, the canyons of Karlovac rivers, all the way to the traditional finish in Zagreb. The race will be broadcast in 190 countries, once again positioning Croatia on the global map not only as a sports powerhouse, but also as a destination worth experiencing.
The Connecting Croatia exhibition will remain open in the arrivals area of Zagreb international Airport, inviting passengers to discover Croatia’s unique blend of sporting emotion, natural beauty and cultural heritage as soon as they arrive.
