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Croatia 04 Mar 2026 Class 1.2 – 1 day – Class 2
Website https://www.valamarlovesbike.com/en/events/istrian-spring/
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 2026 Umag Trophy (Trofej Umag) for men is also taking place today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This 1.2 category race is a staple of the early European season, attracting a mix of Continental teams and Development squads from the WorldTour.
Race Program & Details
The men’s race follows a similar format to the women’s but covers a longer distance on the Istrian peninsula.
- Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Distance: Approximately 143 km
- Start/Finish: Umag (Stella Maris Resort)
- Course Style: The route is mostly flat but notorious for its “heavy” roads and exposure to the Bura winds. It consists of an initial large loop followed by several laps of a local circuit around Umag.
Key Riders to Watch (Start List Highlights)
The 2026 edition features a highly competitive field of sprinters and “power” riders:
- Filippo Fortin (Solution Tech Vini Fantini): A perennial podium finisher in this race (2nd in 2025).
- Dušan Rajović: The Serbian champion and former winner of this event.
- Jed Smithson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development): One of the top young talents currently dominating the U23 circuit.
- Rait Ärm: The Estonian powerhouse known for his strength in windy, flat finishes.
Results Update
As the race is happening concurrently with the women’s event, the final classification is being finalized.
- Expected Finish Time: Roughly 15:30 – 16:00 CET.
- Defending Champion: Matthias Schwarzbacher (UAE Team Emirates Gen-Z), who won the 2025 edition.
Upcoming Men’s Races in Istria
If you are following the men’s “Istrian Spring” calendar, here are the next stops:
Istrian Spring Trophy (Stage Race): March 12 – March 15 (2.2)
Poreč Trophy: Sunday, March 8 (1.2)
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The Umag Classic (formerly known as the Trofej Umag) is a prestigious professional one-day road cycling race held in Croatia. It traditionally serves as the season opener for the Istrian Spring Trophies series.
2026 Edition Results
Both the men’s and women’s races are taking place today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
- Women’s Race (Umag Classic Ladies):
- Winner: Nika Bobnar (Team Nexetis) claimed victory in the 114.3 km race.
- Podium: 2nd: Camilla Bezzone, 3rd: Rasa Leleivytė.
- Men’s Race:
- Distance: 142.3 km.
- Participants: The field includes 29 teams, featuring development squads from top-tier teams like Team Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates.
- Status: Results are currently being finalized.
Race Details & History
- UCI Category: Both races are rated 1.2 by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), forming part of the UCI Europe Tour.
- Role as a Launchpad: The race is famous for showcasing future stars; previous winners and participants include Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, and Olav Kooij.
- Venue: The event centers around Umag, a coastal city in Istria known for its flat to rolling terrain ideal for early-season racing.
Recent Winners (Men’s Elite)
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Matthias Schwarzbacher | UAE Team Emirates Gen Z |
| 2024 | Matthew Brennan | Visma |
| 2023 | Adam Ťoupalík | Elkov – Kasper |
