With just five days to go before the start of this year's Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, the organizers are proud to highlight the successful progress of the organization. This largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina has attracted significant attention, with numerous events and international participants. Blidinje Nature Park is in the spotlight and is receiving significant interest.
Event program
Friday, July 12, 2024: The festival begins with a VIP presentation and Gala Dinner, the official opening of which will be attended by numerous distinguished guests, including the President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidiju Bradaru, representatives of federal ministries, local governments, the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and representatives of international organizations and sponsors. Speakers at the VIP presentation include Mariju Vukoju Lastvić from the Visit Blidinje association, Ivana Jurilja from the Office of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for European Integration, Nedu Pinezića expert and promoter of the value of family and rural tourism in Croatia and Toni Zorić as organizer and president of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This exclusive event will serve as an opportunity for further networking and discussions.
Saturday, July 13, 2024: The day is dedicated to recreational cyclists and families. Registration for the recreational cycling tour “Ajduka Trail” begins early in the morning, and the cycling tour begins at 10:00 a.m. Participants will visit the most beautiful parts of Blidinje with tourist guides and enjoy the local gastronomic offer. Also, during Saturday and Sunday, a fair of domestic products and outdoor equipment will be held, where 13 domestic manufacturers will present their products. Visitors will have the opportunity to test new Škoda vehicles, the new Continental tire range with new features and manufacturing methods, bicycle models and equipment at cycling stands, as well as buy products at promotional prices. The evening party will be held at the Sky Cafe Bar on the SKI trail, and will include a raffle and a prize game with valuable prizes for all participants.
Sunday, 14.07.2024: The day is reserved for professional cyclists who will compete for the title of Balkan Champion and points for the UCI Class 1 race. The race starts at 10:00, followed by the ceremony of announcing the winners with a performance by HKUD Posušje. Recreational cyclists can also participate in this day full of adrenaline and fun. Registration is available at this link.
„We have invested a lot of effort in this year's Bike Festival, we have been working continuously for 11 months on this project and today I can freely say how proud I am of the work we have done. I will not say much, our actions will speak for us, and I will take this opportunity to thank the team behind this event. 100 people are involved in the organization who will take care of the safety of all participants and the implementation of the event that will promote the sports and tourism potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the best way. Furthermore, a big thank you goes to all our partners, sponsors and friends who helped in any way to hold this event. All these names are responsible for this great promotion of sports and tourism that is happening at these moments", commented Toni Zorić.
Special activities
Training camp with UCI experts: In collaboration with the International Cycling Union (UCI), two UCI experts from Switzerland will hold training courses for cycling club coaches ten days before the festival. Coaches who complete the course will receive an international license, which will improve the quality of cycling in the region.
Support and partners
The festival enjoys the support of many institutions and sponsors.
General sponsor: Continental Tires
Event sponsors: Olimpijski komitet Bosne i Hercegovine, Federalno ministarstvo Obrazovanja i Nauke, Federalno ministarstvo Kulture i Sporta, Government of Herzegovina-Neretva County, Vlada Županije Zapadnohercegovačke, Government of the Herzegovina-Bosnia Canton, Ministarstvo trgovine, turizma i zaštite okoliša HNŽ/K, City of Mostar, općina Posušje, USAID Turizam BiH, Ambasada republike Italije u Bosni i Hercegovini, Italijanska agencija za razvojnu saradnju – AICS i CISP Bosna i Hercegovina u okviru projekta NaturBosniaHerzegovina, Tourist Board of HNŽ/K and Sportski Savez Grada Mostara.
Silver sponsor – HT Eronet
Bronze sponsor – Škoda Apolo
Official festival water – LEDA
Sponsors: Fortuna Tours, OAKLEY, Lasta, Proteini.si, Satelit TBM, Visit Blidinje, restoran “Hajdučke Vrleti”, restoran “Staza” and restoran “Risovac”.
The organizers invite all cycling and nature lovers to join this unique event. “We have put a lot of effort into this year’s Bike Festival, we have been working continuously for 11 months on this project and today I can freely say how proud I am of the work we have done,” said Toni Zorić, one of the organizers. “Thank you to all our media friends who faithfully follow us and promote what we do. Without them, this would not be possible,” added Zorić.
Book your accommodation and enjoy an unforgettable weekend adventure in Blidinje!
For more information, visit Blidinje BIKE Festival website.