This year we have 6 stages
Stage 1
Osijek – Varaždin
Date: 19.04.2016.
Stage Length: 230.4 km
Vertical Climb: 120 hm
An ideal introductory stage. With the length of 235 kilometres and 10 kilometres of closed circuit, it allows us to get to know some of the jewels of Croatian continental tourism and present it to the world. This flat, fast stage is not particularly demanding and offers the riders, who have returned from their altitude training, a chance to get accustomed to speed and general rhythm of the race. Let us not forget that every cycling stage hides its snares, such as this one. Strong crosswinds present a potential difficulty, which could ultimately make the race extremely challenging and split the peloton into individual groups, in the end making it tough to catch up precious time.
Stage 2
NP Plitvička jezera – Split
Date: 20.04.2016.
Stage Length: 240 km
Vertical Climb: 2030 hm
The second stage leads us to a more demanding part of the race, but doesn’t exactly provide enough moments for a major breakaway. Several climbs at the middle of the leg would be endurable for the sprinters and they would also be too far away from the finish line to make a good chance for the attack. Plitvice National Park treats us with it unbridled beauty and we are proudly using this ambient as a drop scene for the start of the second stage. Position in the group should play a key role in a descent towards Split, as well as through the city streets and in the end through the entrance in the Marjan park. Looking back, we can pinpoint the spots within the last 5 kilometres which could break the peloton – these are the ones on the exit of the Marjan park where the more tired ones would not be able to keep up the 60km/h speed determined by hard core sprinters. The other important thing will be to try and stick to the left side of the two roundabouts within the last kilometre. Lastly, 300 metres before the finish line, two bends have taken its toll last year and it will be hard to evaluate maximum grip of the asphalt. Most assuredly, the sprint will be exceptionally exciting and booked only for the brave.
Stage 3
Makarska – Šibenik
Date: 21.04.2016.
Stage Length: 190.8 km
Vertical Climb: 2744 hm
We can only shudder from all the beauty of the scenery through which we’ll be racing and only feel sorry for the rest that we cannot ride through. The climb on Dubce, after passing Brela, could yield a breakaway of a small group of riders and be a deciding factor of the day. We’ll be riding through the canyon of the river Cetina, but the toughest climb would definitely be the one in the city of Sinj. All the way to Drniš, the road will only allow constant pedalling. Next we have a slight breather, but it must be used properly or else the descend will be a time consuming part of the stage. Crossing over the Roški slap (Roški waterfall), we come to almost a complete stop right before the narrow bridge, so narrow it’s barely the width of a car. Riders who fail to enter the first 20 or so will have to wait about a minute before they would be able to cross the bridge. All of this makes the following climb that much harder, and this is only the first one of the three climbs in a row before entering Šibenik. We think that in Šibenik we will be watching a sprint of a moderately large group of contenders. Riding a lap in Šibenik will provide us with spectacular visuals, as well as passing next to Dražen Petrović monument 500 metres before the finish line, which will evoke a certain amount of respect towards a great legend.
Stage 4
Crikvenica – Učka
Date: 22.04.2016.
Stage Length: 122.1 km
Vertical Climb: 3000 hm
A climber’s stage. The crown jewel. This year it starts in Crikvenica, passes through Novi Vinodolski, Križišće and Kraljevica. It’s a terrain which does not provide enough opportunity to catch a bit of breath. Only just then come the most demanding parts, starting in Bakarac and after 17 kilometres end on an altitude of 970 metres. This ascend won’t be exactly crucial, but surely it will leave only a small amount of leg power.(
The descend to Grobnik and Rijeka will secure enough time for the riders to catch a breather and have much needed energy snack for the final, 22 kilometre climb. Passing through Rijeka and Opatija will visually spice up the finale.
The first part of the climb to Vojak is not particularly challenging, but only when we get to the last 8 kilometres and several 18% inclines, then we would be able to experience somewhat of a natural selection. Contenders falling behind with no particular change in rhythm. The last 3 kilometres are where riders literally stick to the road with low glycogen levels after a total of 3000 metres of climbing, although the length of the stage is only 122 kilometres. The spectacle is guaranteed. We could only hope the weather will play nice so we could gaze upon the Kvarner bay and the whole region of Istria. The whole globe will enjoy the sport and the scenery on this, what would seem as the most beautiful balcony of the world.
Stage 5
Poreč – Umag
Date: 23.04.2016.
Stage Length: 40.3 km
Vertical Climb: 330 hm
Although this 41 kilometre leg wouldn’t seem all too demanding, we can strongly vouch for it to be a major source of stress for the teams throughout the day. The squads will use their morning for the tour of the stage, light practice and a chance to get to know the catches and traps on the road. Then, a large meal is in order, followed by a 40 minute warm up on trainers with legs already weary from yesterday’s climb. It could easily happen that this stage yields a winner, which wouldn’t necessarily be the strongest rider in the Tour, but rather a team effort. Picking the right tool for the job will play a crucial role in this one, as speeds of over 60km/h allow for only the best equipment to reach them.
Additional aggravating factors are constant changes of rhythm in the stage caused by uneven terrain and traffic situations. We estimate average speeds from 52-54km/h. Both start and finish take place in the city centres, which will no doubt add to the spectacle of the event, but also make harder for riders to catch rhythm.
Stage 6
Sveti Martin na Muri – Zagreb
Date: 24.04.2016.
Stage Length: 158.5 km
Vertical Climb: 590 hm
Relaxing at Lifeclass Terme Sv. Martin na Muri before the final stage will definitely contribute to better mood of the riders and their motive to finish strong with a good result. For those who think that it will all be over way before the bunch reaches Zagreb, they couldn’t be more wrong. We will be crossing through the region of Međimurje and through all of the centres of continental cycling tourism in Croatia. The last day of the Tour and even terrain will surely be used by riders to make a breakaway. The first intermediate sprint is in Čakovec, and there will surely be a fight for the points if the differences in general classification wouldn’t be considerable.
We continue through County of Varaždin over Varaždinske Toplice and the last climb will take place in Sveti Ivan Zelina, where the peloton will be welcomed by Knights of Zelingrad. We’ll be arriving to Zagreb through Croatian Fraternal Union street, Street of the city of Vukovar, Miramarska street, over Gundulićeva street, to the first lap which goes through Mesnička street and St. Mark’s square, continues to Kaptol, Palmotićeva street, Boškovićeva street and again Gundulićeva street.
Last year, the board of the Tour got a lot of praise for presenting Croatia through unique and amazing set of stages with glorious scenery. Also, a special prase was given to the organizing squad for set of laps through the city of Zagreb, which provide an attractive platform for a world cycling spectacle. The climb on Mesnička street is a difficult obstacle for pure sprinters and a tremendous opportunity for more complete riders to catch up some time in the finale and maybe win the race.
We believe that this Zagreb finale will become a traditional feature in all of Tour of Croatia’s final stages and one day, maybe, even a finale for a World Cycling Championship. The Tour ends on St. Mark’s square after two full laps. Is there a better place for crowning the winner of the second edition of Tour of Croatia than the one where Croatian kings where crowned through history and presidents were inaugurated?
source Tour of Croatia
Stage 1
Osijek – Varaždin
Date: 19.04.2016.
Stage Length: 230.4 km
Vertical Climb: 120 hm
An ideal introductory stage. With the length of 235 kilometres and 10 kilometres of closed circuit, it allows us to get to know some of the jewels of Croatian continental tourism and present it to the world. This flat, fast stage is not particularly demanding and offers the riders, who have returned from their altitude training, a chance to get accustomed to speed and general rhythm of the race. Let us not forget that every cycling stage hides its snares, such as this one. Strong crosswinds present a potential difficulty, which could ultimately make the race extremely challenging and split the peloton into individual groups, in the end making it tough to catch up precious time.
Stage 2
NP Plitvička jezera – Split
Date: 20.04.2016.
Stage Length: 240 km
Vertical Climb: 2030 hm
The second stage leads us to a more demanding part of the race, but doesn’t exactly provide enough moments for a major breakaway. Several climbs at the middle of the leg would be endurable for the sprinters and they would also be too far away from the finish line to make a good chance for the attack. Plitvice National Park treats us with it unbridled beauty and we are proudly using this ambient as a drop scene for the start of the second stage. Position in the group should play a key role in a descent towards Split, as well as through the city streets and in the end through the entrance in the Marjan park. Looking back, we can pinpoint the spots within the last 5 kilometres which could break the peloton – these are the ones on the exit of the Marjan park where the more tired ones would not be able to keep up the 60km/h speed determined by hard core sprinters. The other important thing will be to try and stick to the left side of the two roundabouts within the last kilometre. Lastly, 300 metres before the finish line, two bends have taken its toll last year and it will be hard to evaluate maximum grip of the asphalt. Most assuredly, the sprint will be exceptionally exciting and booked only for the brave.
Stage 3
Makarska – Šibenik
Date: 21.04.2016.
Stage Length: 190.8 km
Vertical Climb: 2744 hm
We can only shudder from all the beauty of the scenery through which we’ll be racing and only feel sorry for the rest that we cannot ride through. The climb on Dubce, after passing Brela, could yield a breakaway of a small group of riders and be a deciding factor of the day. We’ll be riding through the canyon of the river Cetina, but the toughest climb would definitely be the one in the city of Sinj. All the way to Drniš, the road will only allow constant pedalling. Next we have a slight breather, but it must be used properly or else the descend will be a time consuming part of the stage. Crossing over the Roški slap (Roški waterfall), we come to almost a complete stop right before the narrow bridge, so narrow it’s barely the width of a car. Riders who fail to enter the first 20 or so will have to wait about a minute before they would be able to cross the bridge. All of this makes the following climb that much harder, and this is only the first one of the three climbs in a row before entering Šibenik. We think that in Šibenik we will be watching a sprint of a moderately large group of contenders. Riding a lap in Šibenik will provide us with spectacular visuals, as well as passing next to Dražen Petrović monument 500 metres before the finish line, which will evoke a certain amount of respect towards a great legend.
Stage 4
Crikvenica – Učka
Date: 22.04.2016.
Stage Length: 122.1 km
Vertical Climb: 3000 hm
A climber’s stage. The crown jewel. This year it starts in Crikvenica, passes through Novi Vinodolski, Križišće and Kraljevica. It’s a terrain which does not provide enough opportunity to catch a bit of breath. Only just then come the most demanding parts, starting in Bakarac and after 17 kilometres end on an altitude of 970 metres. This ascend won’t be exactly crucial, but surely it will leave only a small amount of leg power.(
The descend to Grobnik and Rijeka will secure enough time for the riders to catch a breather and have much needed energy snack for the final, 22 kilometre climb. Passing through Rijeka and Opatija will visually spice up the finale.
The first part of the climb to Vojak is not particularly challenging, but only when we get to the last 8 kilometres and several 18% inclines, then we would be able to experience somewhat of a natural selection. Contenders falling behind with no particular change in rhythm. The last 3 kilometres are where riders literally stick to the road with low glycogen levels after a total of 3000 metres of climbing, although the length of the stage is only 122 kilometres. The spectacle is guaranteed. We could only hope the weather will play nice so we could gaze upon the Kvarner bay and the whole region of Istria. The whole globe will enjoy the sport and the scenery on this, what would seem as the most beautiful balcony of the world.
Stage 5
Poreč – Umag
Date: 23.04.2016.
Stage Length: 40.3 km
Vertical Climb: 330 hm
Although this 41 kilometre leg wouldn’t seem all too demanding, we can strongly vouch for it to be a major source of stress for the teams throughout the day. The squads will use their morning for the tour of the stage, light practice and a chance to get to know the catches and traps on the road. Then, a large meal is in order, followed by a 40 minute warm up on trainers with legs already weary from yesterday’s climb. It could easily happen that this stage yields a winner, which wouldn’t necessarily be the strongest rider in the Tour, but rather a team effort. Picking the right tool for the job will play a crucial role in this one, as speeds of over 60km/h allow for only the best equipment to reach them.
Additional aggravating factors are constant changes of rhythm in the stage caused by uneven terrain and traffic situations. We estimate average speeds from 52-54km/h. Both start and finish take place in the city centres, which will no doubt add to the spectacle of the event, but also make harder for riders to catch rhythm.
Stage 6
Sveti Martin na Muri – Zagreb
Date: 24.04.2016.
Stage Length: 158.5 km
Vertical Climb: 590 hm
Relaxing at Lifeclass Terme Sv. Martin na Muri before the final stage will definitely contribute to better mood of the riders and their motive to finish strong with a good result. For those who think that it will all be over way before the bunch reaches Zagreb, they couldn’t be more wrong. We will be crossing through the region of Međimurje and through all of the centres of continental cycling tourism in Croatia. The last day of the Tour and even terrain will surely be used by riders to make a breakaway. The first intermediate sprint is in Čakovec, and there will surely be a fight for the points if the differences in general classification wouldn’t be considerable.
We continue through County of Varaždin over Varaždinske Toplice and the last climb will take place in Sveti Ivan Zelina, where the peloton will be welcomed by Knights of Zelingrad. We’ll be arriving to Zagreb through Croatian Fraternal Union street, Street of the city of Vukovar, Miramarska street, over Gundulićeva street, to the first lap which goes through Mesnička street and St. Mark’s square, continues to Kaptol, Palmotićeva street, Boškovićeva street and again Gundulićeva street.
Last year, the board of the Tour got a lot of praise for presenting Croatia through unique and amazing set of stages with glorious scenery. Also, a special prase was given to the organizing squad for set of laps through the city of Zagreb, which provide an attractive platform for a world cycling spectacle. The climb on Mesnička street is a difficult obstacle for pure sprinters and a tremendous opportunity for more complete riders to catch up some time in the finale and maybe win the race.
We believe that this Zagreb finale will become a traditional feature in all of Tour of Croatia’s final stages and one day, maybe, even a finale for a World Cycling Championship. The Tour ends on St. Mark’s square after two full laps. Is there a better place for crowning the winner of the second edition of Tour of Croatia than the one where Croatian kings where crowned through history and presidents were inaugurated?
source Tour of Croatia
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