Učka, the massif separating Istria from Kvarner Bay, owes its cycling reputation to the region’s mild climate, which makes it a favoured winter training ground for many professional European teams.
A steady climb from the Opatija Riviera
From Lovran, on the Opatija Riviera, the road climbs 15 km for 900 m of elevation gain up to the Poklon pass, at 922 m, averaging a relatively steady 6%. The route rises through beech forests typical of the massif, offering regular glimpses of the Adriatic Sea and the Kvarner islands below.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is still useful for holding a steady pace on this even climb. The Poklon pass, often windy, justifies a lightweight windbreaker even on a mild day down on the coast.
When to go
March to November, as Istria’s Mediterranean climate allows for a noticeably longer season than in the neighbouring Alpine ranges — one of the reasons professional teams flock to the region for winter training camps as early as February-March.
Good to know
Opatija, a chic seaside resort on the Riviera, and Lovran offer a wide choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Istria’s interior and its hilltop villages for extending the stay beyond the coast.
