May 11, 2023 - A challenge for all cyclists at this year's Baranja Rural Trail, meet :BRUT 2023.
For the third year in a row, specifically on June 17th, 2023, in the east of Croatia, in Beli Manastir, a gravel/XC cycling race called Baranja Rural Trail or better known as :BRUT is being held. The race was brought to life by cycling enthusiasts from the Baranja and Tourism Association (BIT) to provide all cyclists and guests from Croatia and abroad with an excellent experience of eastern Croatia, specifically Baranja, as an excellent cycling destination.
The first edition of the race was held in 2021 with the participation of 110 competitors from all over Croatia. In 2022, 140 participants took part in :BRUT, and in 2023, the organizers expect an even greater number of competitors from Croatia and surrounding countries.
If you thought that Baranja was flat and that cycling through it would be easy, you were wrong. With an elevation profile of 500 to 1000 meters, the brutal race route passes through unpaved roads, surduk (a carved path on a mountainside), forests, and fields.
During the ride, competitors choose between a shorter route of 25 km or a brutal route of 50 km - depending on how they feel. :BRUT can be ridden on all types of MTB, CX, and gravel bikes, including e-bikes. The surface on which :BRUT is ridden is mostly dirt road, with only a small part being paved or covered with medium-grained gravel. Depending on the weather conditions, the surface can be softer or harder, and in case of rain, muddy.
For all those who come to Baranja a day earlier, on Friday, June 16th, 2023, a night individual time trial (ITT) called :BRUT Stars will be held. On a short circular track in the Baranja vineyards, 1200 meters long, competitors will compete in two rides, and the participants of the final will secure the first starting row in the :BRUT race.
Registrations for :BRUT2023 are open and can be found on the website www.baranjaruraltrail.com. If you are interested, hurry with your registration as the number of competitors is limited.
":BRUT is more than just a cycling race. :BRUT represents the beauty of Baranja and goes beyond the outstanding gastronomic and enological offers. :BRUT is a story of challenge, perseverance, and the success of every competitor. :BRUT is pure emotion!" – :BRUT team
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Website: www.baranjaruraltrail.com
