RACE GUIDE

MOTOVUN
42 KM
START
THE ANCIENT KEEPER OF THE RIVER MIRNA
VALLEY
In the northern part of Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley, lies
surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun-
Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols
of the Istrian interior.
Motovun is the perfect venue for a large number of events, the most
significant among them being the International Motovun Film Festival
that takes place at the end of July where world-known film artists may
be seen. Motovun is also interesting for ballooning lovers, its favourable
microclimate enables flying in balloons all year round, so that Motovun-
Montona hosts several ballooning events.
Motovun Forest which stretches along the Mirna River valley is especially
rich in truffles, the underground malodorous fungus believed to be an
aphrodisiac. Istrian white truffles, whose season lasts from September to
December are said to be as good as the finest Italian and French truffles.
Opposite Motovun stands the charming picturesque town of Oprtalj-
Portole, as well as Livade, famous for the Days of Truffles held every year
from September to November. Every year in Livade, also known as the
World’s truffle centre, a special festival is organized with a contest of
choosing the largest truffle.
In close vicinity is also Istarske toplice, thermal spa with curative water.
Motovun is especially attractive due to its medieval town walls that
surround the town in a ring-like manner and the view of the vineyards
and the Motovun Park Forest. The tourist and gastronomic offer turned
Motovun-Montona into one of the most popular excursion destinations of
the tourists who spend their holidays on the west and east coast of Istria.
The area around the town can be seen while walking the Motovun Park
Forest in search of the gastronomic specialty – the truffle, while visiting
the vineyards of teran, pinot, malvasia on the south-western slopes, while
hunting or cycling. Since 1903, in the part of the town called Kanal every
third Monday since 1903 a cattle fair is held. One of the legends related to
Motovun is the one about Veli Jože (Big Jože), based on it Vladimir Nazor
wrote the short story of the same name.
RACE START
Saturday, April 16th 2016 noon
Parking in the lower city
100 MILES OF ISTRIA 2016 45