A major cycling event has been announced at the National Cycling Conference on the island of Pag, putting Međimurje on the map of attractive European cycling destinations on 19 September 2027. The announcement of the BLACK GOLD Granfondo Međimurja 2027 was the central part of the lecture at the conference.
The conference was attended by Rudi Grula, director of the Međimurje County Tourist Board, and Zoran Turk, director of the Tourist Board of the "Mura and Goric" area. Turk delivered a lecture titled "Međimurje on two wheels: infrastructure, cycling development and Granfondo 2027," presenting Međimurje as one of Croatia's leading cycling regions, with developed infrastructure and a long tradition of daily bicycle use.
As highlighted, Međimurje has a significantly higher density of cycling paths per kilometre of road than the Croatian average. Particularly valuable are the attractive routes along the Mura and Drava rivers, through woodlands, fields and Međimurje hills, advantages already recognised by numerous foreign cyclists, primarily from Slovenia, Austria and Hungary.
The planned granfondo route is approximately 115 kilometres long and features around 1,000 metres of climbing. It will offer cyclists a sporting challenge, as well as an opportunity to discover the natural beauty, cultural landmarks and tourist offerings of Međimurje. The start and finish of the race will be at the St Barbara Promenade in Mursko Središće, on the picturesque banks of the Mura River.
The name BLACK GOLD, or black gold, is inspired by the coal and oil that drove Međimurje's economic development for decades. The region's rich mining and oil history shaped its industrial identity, which grew into one of Croatia's economic engines on the foundations of labour, entrepreneurship and industrialisation. The name thus links industrial heritage with a new vision for the development of sport and tourism, while the race will combine sport, natural beauty and Međimurje's rich industrial heritage.
The aim of organising this event is to make a significant leap in promoting Međimurje as a cycling destination. The major granfondo could become a recognisable international sports-tourism event, further encouraging visits from domestic and foreign tourists.
