CRO Race, the cycling spectacle that turns Croatia into the most beautiful sporting postcard, is celebrating its 10th birthday. Top pros from numerous teams will be lining up at the start tomorrow in Split, but today, the focus is on little cyclists at the virtual Kids CRO Race.
Solin, 29 September 2025 – A press conference was held today in Solin announcing the start of the 10th edtion of the CRO Race international cycling race—a prestigious sporting event that will once again bring together some of the world’s top cyclists from 30 September to 5 October 2025. This autumn, six stages across a total of 925 kilometres will turn Croatia into a stunning set of sporting postcards showing fantastic landscapes from the Mediterranean south all the way to the continental north. Images from Croatia’s roads will circle the globe, presenting millions of viewers with a mix of elite cycling, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
“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 kilometres, 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,” stated CRO Race technical director Luka Mišović.
Head of the city of Split’s Administrative Department for Social Activities Mate Omazić expressed his pleasure at Split’s having been chosen to host the start of the race’s 10th edition, noting that the race would serve as a unique way to convey the beauty of Split-Dalmatia County across the world.
Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe rider and current Dutch national road champion Danny van Poppel described his team’s ambitions at this year’s CRO Race:
“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,” said van Poppel.
Although just 23 years old, the only Croatian rider in a WorldTour team, Fran Miholjević, will be riding his fifth CRO Race this year, once again with team Bahrain Victorious.
“It will be a dynamic race that should be up in the air until the very last day. 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. The fourth stage ending in Labin will suit both me and my team the best. The terrain will give us a chance to surprise the favourites, because it will take more than just a strong rider to win,” stated Miholjević.
The sixth edition of Kids CRO Race also drew special attention, an event giving kids a chance to experience the thrill of sporting competition. Over 150 kids today rode to the start in Split alongside Zrinka Mužinić Bikić, State Secretary for the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth. The first-place riders in this year’s Kids CRO Race in the 9-10-year-old category were Vanja Kaurloto and Andrija Miletić, and Klara Maslić and Frano Vidović in the 11-12-year-old category. Second place in the 9-10-year-old category were Toni Banjan and Karla Knezović, and Roko Brakus and Gabrijela Jurić in the 11-12 year old category. Domagoj Tabak and Liana Berlan took third place in the 9-10-year-old category, with Lovre Dragičević and Ela Praničević in the 11-12-year-old category.
“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. We’ve seen smiles, joy, and true togetherness amongst kids, who are forming healthy habits and learning how important it is to take care of one’s body. This race is an opportunity for every child to feel the satisfaction of participating in sport, to find motivation and self-confidence,” said State Secretary Zrinka Mužinić Bikić.
Twenty teams will be lining up at the start of the 10th CRO Race from all three categories— UCI WorldTeams, UCI ProTeams, and UCI Continental Teams—including some of the biggest names in international cycling. Their participation will guarantee an exciting competition and a battle for each stage win, with images of the race broadcast in more than 190 countries and watched by millions worldwide, once again making Croatia a global stage for elite sport, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
The tenth edition of CRO Race is held under the patronage of the Croatian government, with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of the Interior, the Croatian National Tourist Board, HEP, the city of Zagreb, and numerous destination partners, cities, and counties through which the stages will pass.
