Cheered on by the crowd and defying the wind, 61 young cyclists brought joy to the streets of Novalja
Novalja, October 1, 2025 – Today in Novalja, the cheerful rhythm of bike wheels was set by 61 children participating in the third stage of the Kids CRO Race, the popular children’s competition held alongside the major international cycling event CRO Race.
Despite the strong winds relentlessly blowing over Novalja, the young cyclists did not give up – they pedaled bravely and showed that not even the bura could stop them. With the support of the crowd and a joyful atmosphere, the race turned into a true celebration of children’s perseverance and happiness.
First place in this year’s Kids CRO Race in Novalja went to Mateo Rudela and Dina Gligora in the 9–10 age category, and to Luka Plišo and Ana Brala in the 11–12 category. Second place in the 9–10 category went to Adin Mušić and Hana Šarić, while Artem Shcherbyna and Timea Vidas took second in the 11–12 category. Third place in the 9–10 category was won by Vid Bektić and Matea Vidas, while Fran Baričević and Lorena Badurina claimed third in the 11–12 category.
The next Kids CRO Race will be held on October 2 in Rijeka. The overall winners will be announced on October 5 in Zagreb during the closing award ceremony.
Further information about CRO Race
This year’s edition of the CRO Race is taking place from September 30 to October 5, covering nearly 1,000 kilometers across Croatia. The race features 20 teams from all three categories of the International Cycling Union (UCI) – UCI WorldTeams, UCI ProTeams, and UCI Continental Teams. Viewers can follow the race live on HRT and Eurosport, with broadcasts reaching nearly 200 countries worldwide. Alongside promoting cycling, the CRO Race also positions Croatia as an attractive tourist destination, showcasing images of Croatia’s rich cultural and natural heritage to audiences across the globe.
Since its first edition, CRO Race has been supported by the highest state institutions, including the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the City of Zagreb, as well as numerous other cities and counties hosting race starts, finishes, or passage routes of the stages. In addition to HEP as one of the main sponsors, the project also involves many other sponsors and partners: Valamar Riviera, Škoda, Carwiz, Keindl Sport, Alé, Essperto, Elite, Vinistra, Bilić-Erić, Jadrolinija, Europlakat, Kraš, the Croatian Olympic Committee, the Croatian Cycling Federation, Zagrebački holding, the Ministry of the Interior, as well as media and production partners Croatian Radiotelevision, Hanza Media, Sportske novosti, Amaury Sport Organisation, Croatel, and NEP.
