Leaving the Venetian harbour of Rovinj, the opening stage cuts through the sun-bleached coast of western Istria. Smooth asphalt gives way to red-dirt tracks lined with olive groves as the route heads inland toward the medieval stone town of Bale.
The terrain remains rolling and crisp, passing through historic Vodnjan. Dropping back toward the Adriatic, the track glides through the quiet fishing port of Fažana, offering wide views across the water to the Brijuni Islands. This short, efficient stint finishes with a grand entry into Pula, rolling past the massive stone walls of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
