Bjelovar and the Bjelovar-Bilogora County were in the realm of gravel cycling, as cyclists from Croatia and abroad arrived at the first BILO.gravel ULTRA race. They faced a 210-kilometre challenge through Bilogora and Moslavina, returning to Bjelovar after a day's riding, where they were met with dinner.
On Saturday, 19 September, participants set off from the Promenada in Bjelovar in the early hours. The race connected Bjelovar, Bilogora, and Moslavina over 210 kilometres, with organizers providing a challenging route passing through various surfaces, including forest and gravel sections, with numerous ascents and descents. The route passed through landscapes that demonstrated the potential of this part of Bjelovar-Bilogora County for the development of gravel and cycle tourism.
According to the official roadbook, the race started in Bjelovar. The first checkpoint was 38 kilometres away, at the location Na malenem brijegu. Cyclists then continued towards Grubišno Polje, where the second checkpoint awaited them at the 90th kilometre. The third checkpoint was in Martin near Nova Plošćica, at the 117th kilometre. After the third checkpoint, the route continued towards Donji Miklouš, where the fourth checkpoint was located at the 148th kilometre. The final checkpoint was completed in Narti, at the 170th kilometre, with 40 kilometres remaining to the finish in Bjelovar.
Participants covered 210 kilometres during the day, with a total ascent of approximately 2,700 metres. The roadbook specifically noted gravel and gravel-path sections, ascents, and areas where riders needed to adjust their pace and exercise particular caution. Checkpoints were used to record passage and served as points for refreshments and replenishment during the long day on the bike.
Participants were required to have a GPS device or a smartphone with the official GPX route, front and rear lights, a tracker, a tire repair kit, a spare inner tube, or appropriate tools, as well as a mandatory protective helmet. Reflective equipment was also provided for the later parts of the ride.
The first edition of the BILO.gravel ULTRA race brought participants from various parts of Croatia, as well as from outside the country. The potential of the region for developing cycle tourism and the growing popularity of gravel cycling were highlighted by organizer Igor Prka and the director of the Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board, Marcel Medak. Medak noted that cycle tourism is one of the key products of the county, particularly in the areas of Bilogora, Moslavina, and Papuk, with gravel cycling developing as an important sub-segment.
The program continues the following day, on Sunday, 20 September, with a scheduled recovery ride. Participants will set off again on their bicycles, but in a much more relaxed rhythm, heading towards local agritourism sites on Bilogora. There, they will be offered coffee and gablec, after which they will return to Bjelovar.
