26 Feb, 25

CONTINENTAL BLIDINJE BIKE FESTIVAL: Official Date Confirmed!

The organizing team of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is proud to announce that the official and final date for this year’s festival has been confirmed! After various challenges and previous date changes, we sincerely apologize to everyone who may have been confused or uncertain. We are deeply grateful for your understanding and patience, as the community we gather around this festival is our top priority.

It’s now official – the ninth edition of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival scheduled for July 11 to 13, 2025! We are confident that this year’s event will once again be a true cycling spectacle in the heart of nature. Our team has been working diligently for months to raise the bar even higher in terms of organization.

The date changes were not due to carelessness but rather a complex process of aligning with numerous international and national sports institutions. The Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is not just a recreational event; it has become a recognized sporting competition on the international stage, with races carrying the prestigious UCI Class 1 designation. This level of competition requires strict adherence to the calendars of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Balkan Cycling Union (BCU), and the National Federation, along with coordination with events held within the Blidinje Nature Park.

This year, the organizational challenges were particularly significant as the HERO UCI World Marathon Series was scheduled for the same dates. UCI regulations are clear – events of that level cannot overlap. We faced a tough decision: move the race to August or settle for a lower organizational category, which would have diminished the international importance of the event. However, believing in the value this festival brings not only to athletes but also to the local community and the region’s tourism, we appealed to the UCI. In our letter, we emphasized the importance of continuity and the fact that the festival has been bringing together top athletes, recreational cyclists, and nature lovers for nine consecutive years. To our great satisfaction, the UCI recognized the effort and significance of the festival and accommodated our request," said Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.", commented Toni Zorić, president of the Cycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "

The result was unprecedented – the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival retains its UCI Class 1 status and has been given the green light to be held from July 11 to 13, 2025...

This year’s edition of the festival offers a rich three-day program with something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Professional races will take place on two carefully selected routes passing through the most picturesque parts of the Blidinje Nature Park. Participants will have access to six well-stocked feed zones with a variety of food and drinks, while rest areas along the routes will offer local culinary specialties – perfect for recharging and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Competitive spirits will have the chance to test their limits against the clock, while recreational riders can leisurely soak in the beauty of the mountain landscapes.

This year’s edition of the festival offers a rich three-day program with something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Professional races will take place on two carefully selected routes passing through the most picturesque parts of the Blidinje Nature Park. Participants will have access to six well-stocked feed zones with a variety of food and drinks, while rest areas along the routes will offer local culinary specialties – perfect for recharging and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Competitive spirits will have the chance to test their limits against the clock, while recreational riders can leisurely soak in the beauty of the mountain landscapes.

“"We are especially delighted that Blidinje will once again be a meeting place for the cycling community from more than fifteen countries. The atmosphere created by people from different cultures, united by their passion for cycling, is what makes the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival truly specialZorić added.

As Blidinje continues to rise as a destination for active tourism and sports, we sincerely invite you to join us. Whether you are a professional cyclist, a recreational rider, or simply a nature enthusiast, an unforgettable experience awaits you from July 11 to 13 – one that you will cherish for years to come.

Registrations are already open, with early bird entries currently available. Secure your spot at the festival through the official website www.bbf.ba.

Don’t wait until the last minute – Blidinje Nature Park is calling!

See you on the trails!

10 Jul, 24

The Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a special partner of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival.

We are proud to announce that the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina has become a special partner of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in our country. This important collaboration will further contribute to the significance and success of the festival, which will be held in the beautiful Blidinje Nature Park from 12 to 14 July 2024.

The Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, which brings together professional and amateur cyclists, children, recreational cyclists and entire families, has been recognized as a key event for the promotion of sports, tourism and nature conservation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The partnership with the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina will provide additional support in the organization and promotion of the festival and will contribute to the further development of cycling as a sport in our country.

This cooperation with the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great honor and recognition for our festival. We are confident that their support will further raise the level of organization and quality of the event, and enable an even greater success of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival.", commented Toni Zorić, president of the HerzegovinaBike Association, the festival organizer.

The BiH Olympic Committee recognized the importance of such events for the promotion of sports activities and a healthy lifestyle, and enthusiastically accepted the role of a special partner. "Blidinje BIKE Festival is an excellent opportunity to promote sports and sporting values. Our goal is to support events like this that encourage young athletes and all citizens to have an active life and love for sports and nature.", emphasized Academician Prof. Dr. Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year's Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival will include numerous activities, including a UCI Class 1 marathon race, the Balkan Cycling Championship, various recreational rides, as well as a rich accompanying program for all visitors. The participation of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a special partner will further enrich the program and ensure an even greater response from participants and the audience.

We invite all cycling, nature and sports enthusiasts to join us at the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the Blidinje Nature Park.

For more information about the festival, program activities and registration, visit our official website www.bbf.ba.

See you at the Blidinje BIKE Festival!

09 Jul, 24

Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival: What awaits us?

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.

01 Jul, 24

Oakley stands by Blidinje BIKE Festival

Oakley, the premium eyewear and outdoor gear brand, has become a sponsor of the Blidinje BIKE Festival, just days before the start of this premier outdoor event taking place in the Blidinje Nature Park. With the agreement signed today with the HerzegovinaBike association, Oakley has become a sponsor for all three days of the event in 2024, and closer cooperation is being considered for 2025 with some major events that are still in the early stages of planning.

This premium eyewear brand will collaborate with the HerzegovinaBike team to promote and develop cycling as a sport and tourism.

From the company Vision d.o.o. komentirali su: “Oakley is a brand that is inspired by the constant search for progress in terms of developing top-notch equipment and the search for reliable partners who live for sport and promote it through their activities. The HerzegovinaBike Association, with its activities over many years, confirms their expectations. We are convinced that this cooperation will be mutually satisfactory and that this is just the beginning of a bigger story in Bosnia and Herzegovina when we talk about the promotion of cycling and the Oakley brand, which is positioned as a top cycling brand and wants to present itself in this way on the BiH market..”

I would like to express my great pleasure and pride in the collaboration with the Oakley brand. Their support is extremely important for our festival, which is the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The partnership with a renowned brand such as Oakley further confirms the quality and significance of our festival.", commented Toni Zorić, president of the HerzegovinaBike association.

This collaboration represents a step forward in promoting cycling and tourism in our region. Oakley, with its top-notch products and commitment to excellence, fits perfectly with our vision and goals. Together we will work to improve the sports and tourism potential of the Blidinje Nature Park and the wider Herzegovina region. I believe that this is just the beginning of a long-term and successful collaboration that will bring many benefits to all lovers of outdoor activities, especially cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to thank Vision d.o.o. for their trust and look forward to everything we can achieve together in the years to come.Zorić added.

Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, begins on Friday, July 12, 2024, and ends on Sunday, July 14, 2024, when the professional races of the Balkan Championship and the UCI Class 1 marathon race will be held.

You can find out more information about this event at Blidinje BIKE Festival website, and it's still not too late to register and become a participant in this great event.

10 Jun, 24

The city of Mostar supported the organization of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival

The city of Mostar provided strong support to the event Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, one of the largest cycling festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is held in the wonderful location of the Blidinje Nature Park.

The Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, known for bringing together lovers of cycling, nature and adventure, has become an unmissable event for everyone who appreciates an active lifestyle and the preservation of natural beauty. The city of Mostar, recognizing the importance of such events for the promotion of tourism and sports, decided to provide full support to the organization of the festival.

The president of the Bicycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the organizers of this important event for sports met today in the City Hall of the City of Mostar with the mayor of Mostar Mario Kordic and the president of the City Council Salem Marić, with which he presented the vision and mission behind the idea of ​​organizing such an important event in a pleasant atmosphere and conversation. It is important to say that in 2024 the organization of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is on the calendar of the Balkan Federation, as well as on the calendar of the International Cycling Federation, where it is a UCI event of the high UCI Class 1 category. All this says that this year Blidinje will host around 20 countries of the world, and in this way we will promote the Blidinje Nature Park and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a must-see cycling destination.

The support of the City of Mostar towards the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is of great importance for our city and region. This is an opportunity to show the beauty of our nature, promote cycling as a healthy way of life and attract tourists from all over the world," stated Toni Zorić, predsjednik Biciklističkog saveza Bosne i Hercegovine. “In Herzegovina, an extremely large amount of work has been done in terms of cycle tourism, and today, thanks to the hardworking team behind the "HerzegovinaBike" Association, our country is renowned as an excellent cycle tourism destination. Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is another top media channel through which we strive to promote everything we have in Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to cycle tourism. This year, that promotion is going to 20 countries around the world, which is certainly no small thing. We, as organizers, have great experience and human capacity in organizing these events, and the support of the authorities at all levels is a key aspect and partner in order to present our country in the best possible light.Zorić added.

The festival offers a variety of cycling activities throughout the three days of the event, with trails that pass through the spectacular landscapes of the Blidinje Nature Park, allowing participants to enjoy incredible panoramas, clean air and untouched nature. The program includes bicycle races as the central part of the event, but also recreational bicycle rides for the whole family, workshops and various fun activities for younger generations, and educational workshops that will be held this year by International UCI lecturers, which provides a unique experience for all visitors.

The organizers of the festival expressed their great gratitude to the City of Mostar for their support, stressing that this kind of cooperation is essential for the success and further growth of the event. "The support of the City of Mostar means a lot to us. Together we can achieve even greater results, events at even greater levels and attract an even greater number of participants“.

The Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival is becoming a symbol of community, sport and ecology, and with the support of the City of Mostar, as well as authorities from all levels, from local to national, this event has every predisposition to become an even bigger and more significant event on the map of European cycling events.

28 May, 24

The Government of HNŽ sponsors the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival

The organizers of the event "Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival", which is held for the seventh year in a row, but for the first time as a higher-level event, i.e. as the Balkan Championship and the UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina Marathon, with the approval of the Balkan Federation and the World Cycling Federation, were presented today by the presidents of the Government of Herzegovina- Neretva County Mariji Buhač project of this year's event.

The President of the Cycling Association of BiH, Toni Zorić, emphasized the touristic and economic importance of both the project itself, which is growing into a traditional summer event in the Blidinje Nature Park, and the fact that this year they are making a big step forward in terms of gathering cyclists from approximately 20 European countries, with hundreds of participants. on the trails of Blidinje, which in lengths of 56 km and 85 km will pass through the most beautiful areas of Blidinje, but also connect cultural and historical destinations.

"The World Cycling Federation (UCI) approved us to organize a first-class race, with the ultimate intention of organizing the European Championship in Herzegovina, expected in the coming four years. The project is extremely complex, large and comprehensive, because over three days, with the opening on July 12, in addition to the official race, we have planned a family recreational day, an appropriate fair of cycling equipment and indigenous Herzegovina products, training for new cycle tourism guides, training for children and young athletes , but also our tourist offers. As Blidinje administratively belongs to the area of three counties, family businesses, small businesses, restaurateurs and tourism workers from the area of HNŽ, ZHŽ and HBŽ are also included in the organization", explained Zorić.

Apart from him, the project was also discussed Marija Vukoja, head of the "Visit Blidinje" project and Ivan Jurilj, director of the Office for European Integration at the Government of ZHŽ, has been actively involved in projects for the development of cycle tourism and the branding of Herzegovina as a unique tourist product for years.

This is a serious project on the path of tourism development not only in HNŽ, but in Herzegovina as a region and it deserves our attention and support. Cyclotourism is undoubtedly one of the most potent tourism branches in this climate and, as such, it naturally stands out among our strategically important activities, especially in the light of the preparation of the Tourism Development Strategy of HNŽ. The support of the Government of HNŽ will not be lacking, and I am of the opinion that, together with colleagues from neighboring counties, we must strongly support ideas and projects that lead to the creation of a unique Herzegovinian tourist brand that makes us more globally visible and attractive. The Balkan, tomorrow and European cycling championships in our natural pearl, the Blidinje Nature Park, is certainly one of those", concluded Buhač.

Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be held from July 12-14, 2024, and the organizers are announcing a spectacular weekend. You can view the event program on the official website Blidinje BIKE Festivala (link).

15 May, 24

The municipality of Posušje supported the organization of the Blidinje BIKE Festival: A celebration of culture, nature and sports

Municipality of Posušje, May 15/May 2024 - Blidinje BIKE Festival, an event that brings together lovers of nature, cycling and adventure, has once again received strong support from the mayor of the municipality of Posušje, Ante Begića.

The biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has already become an unavoidable summer gathering in the region, attracted a lot of attention in 2024 with the organization of the Balkan Championship and the UCI Class 1 race, thus becoming an unavoidable destination for cyclists and teams from several countries around the world. This three-day event, in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and outdoor activities, Blidinje BIKE Festival emphasizes the importance of preserving natural beauty and promotes the tourist potential of this beautiful area.

Mayor Begić expressed his support for this event, noting:Blidinje BIKE Festival in local, and I would dare to say regional frameworks is a unique event that promotes positive values in several fields. First of all, it encourages healthy sports activities and gives motivation to all generations to engage in this type of sport and recreation. Furthermore, it attracts participants from several dozen countries who take away good impressions from this competition. It also arouses the interest of domestic and foreign media, both directly for the competition, and indirectly for the unique environment in which it is held, the untouched nature of PP Blidinje, which contributes to the promotion of tourism and its development. Therefore, this year, as in previous years, we will wholeheartedly support the organization of this sports event, with the wish that it remain one of the most important long-term sports projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”. 

In addition to bringing sportsmanship to the region, this cycling festival also has a significant economic impact, boosting tourism and the local economy. It is important to say that Posusje and the surrounding areas have a rich natural heritage that should be preserved and promoted, and cyclotourism and cycling play a key role in this.

The organizers of the festival expressed their gratitude for the support of the municipality of Posušje and Mayor Begić and announced a superb event and an exciting program in 2024. "The Blidinje BIKE Festival is not only a sporting event, but an opportunity to highlight the beauty of our nature and promote our country as a destination. In the past years, we have worked hard to enrich our country with cycling trails and facilities, and we see the Blidinje BIKE Festival as a great opportunity to promote all our work and our country as an excellent tourist destination to the surrounding countries”, said Toni Zorić, president of the HerzegovinaBike association.

In addition to bringing sportsmanship to the region, the festival also has a significant economic impact, boosting tourism and the local economy. Posusje and the surrounding areas have a rich natural heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted, and the Blidinje BIKE Festival plays a key role in this.

It is expected that the Blidinje BIKE Festival will continue to grow and attract an increasing number of visitors in the years ahead, thus contributing to the development of tourism and the promotion of an active lifestyle in the region. Blidinje BIKE Festival becomes a symbol of community, culture, nature and sport, and the support of local authorities such as the municipality of Posušje is crucial for its further success and growth.

18 Apr, 24

Blidinje BIKE Festival with the support of the President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

July is a great month for being outdoors and promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina at the upcoming Bike Festival held in the Blidinje Nature Park, and she saw the significance of this event as well. the president of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mrs. Lidija Bradar.

It is less known that the institution of the President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina also has an office in Mostar. Between regular activities and obligations, Office of the President of the Federation Lidija Bradara it is also used for numerous meetings with parties or citizens for whom Mostar is much closer than Sarajevo.

Visit to Mostar, the president of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mrs. Lidija used Bradar to meet the organizers of the Blidinje BIKE Festival. In a pleasant environment, through conversation, Toni Zorić and Josip Barišić, the presidents of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented the significance, as well as the goal and mission of this open-air event, which gathers professional athletes, recreationists and entire families, and promotes the tourism potential of our country to the participants, who this year come from 20 countries of the world.

I was not previously familiar with this idea and the potential that comes from an organization like this. The guys from the association Herzegovina Bike, who are preparing a sports-tourist event in Blidinje, have great ideas. The event will include official international competitions, but will also promote the tourist and gastronomic potential of the mentioned BiH pearl of nature, all through one ever-growing form of tourism - active tourism. It is obvious that this is a team that has enormous experience in organizing these events and that has been working for years to popularize cycling and sports in general, and I am happy that they recognized me as a potential collaborator on the project and that they approached me for support“, said Lidija Bradara, president of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Three days of events in the Blidinje Nature Park are focused on cycling, recreation in nature, educational workshops, entertainment and much more. Thousands of visitors are expected, and the highlight of the event will be the XCM Balkan Championship and the UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina MTB marathon, where professional cyclists from 20 countries will compete. In addition, there is an exciting program, which includes educational workshops and activities for the youngest cyclists on the track, family gatherings, an exhibition fair and lots of entertainment, which the organizers rounded off the weekend of the festival and brought that familiar feeling of fulfillment.

Blidinje BIKE Festival has just received a big wind at its back and we are simply overjoyed about it. First of all, we are happy that the president decided to receive us in order to present our project, efforts and efforts to position our country as a cycling destination. I have to admit that today I came to the meeting without too many expectations, simply to present our work, but the pleasant environment and openness of the president to support positive ideas pleasantly surprised me and we are happy that such an important person as the president of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina stands behind our idea and supports our work", said Toni Zorić, president of the HerzegovinaBike association.

This is a great indicator that we are doing a good job, and now we have an even bigger task to bring the organization of the event to a high level and give our country the promotion it deserves.Zorić added.

Judging by the great interest in the early registrations for this year's edition, we have a superb event ahead of us. Both the recreational bicycle race on the 'Ajduka Trail and the professional XCM Herzegovina race arouse great interest among cyclists. All of this makes us very happy, and this kind of support gives us an additional wind behind us to bring competitors and visitors a top event“, said Josip Barišić, president of BK Mostar.

Blidinje BIKE Festival is traditionally held in the month of July, and this year is no exception. During the three days of the event, from Friday to Sunday, numerous visitors will have access to an exciting program, and through the exhibition fair, small local producers of domestic products will be presented, and Blidinje will be promoted as an outdoor destination.

You can find the entire event program and all the latest information related to the event on the official website Blidinje BIKE Festival website (link).

11 Apr, 24

With ŠKODA vehicles at the Blidinje BIKE Festival 2024.

Authorized dealer and repairer of Škoda Apolo vehicles, decided to support the upcoming Blidinje BIKE Festival event and will be the Bronze sponsor of this event. All visitors and participants of the event in 2024 will have the opportunity to meet new products from the ŠKODA factory and test the latest vehicles during the Blidinje BIKE Festival event.

This year, when the Blidinje BIKE Festival becomes part of the new and prestigious UCI calendar with the Class 1 event category, where the Balkan Championship will also be held, ŠKODA has expressed its interest in attending this event, strengthening its commitment to cycling and contributing its knowledge and experience in the sector.

ŠKODA has been nurturing a special relationship with cycling for 120 years. From the first Slavia-branded bikes that left their factory, ŠKODA's passion for two-wheelers is as strong as it was 12 decades ago. We can safely say that ŠKODA has never lost its passion for cycling. The brand sells its own range of two-wheelers and is deeply involved at all levels of cycling. Since 2004, ŠKODA has supported the "Tour de France", the most famous cycling race in the world, as an official sponsor and vehicle partner. It also sponsors other renowned national and international cycling events and maintains comprehensive participation in cycling as a grassroots sport.

In 2024, our support also goes to the biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Blidinje BIKE Festival, said the marketing department of Apolo:

 „For some time now, we have been following the efforts and positive projects that the association "Hercegovina Bicikl" is realizing here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its presence brings positive changes in the matter of cycling as a sport and cycle tourism. Škoda is widely known for our commitment to this sport, and we, as a local ŠKODA partner, have been waiting for the right moment to get more actively involved in cycling here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, make our contribution and be part of the positive changes that cycling as a sport, a way of life and an increasingly present form of tourism brings. Blidinje BIKE Festival is only the first step in our cooperation, our goals are much bigger and we believe that the association "Hercegovina Bicikl" is the right partner for achieving these goals.

There are still 120 days left until the start of the Blidinje BIKE Festival, the biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina that takes place from July 12-14, 2024, and the organizers do not hide their great excitement about this project, and announce a spectacular weekend. You can view the event program on the official website Blidinje BIKE Festivala (link), but the association says that the program is still not final, and they announce new things that will soon be on the list.

This is great news and we are very excited about this collaboration. All these are great things for the Blidinje BIKE Festival, which in 2024 has become an international event, not only in terms of the participants coming to us from 20 countries, but also in terms of the partners who stand by the Blidinje BIKE Festival. First, we signed a cooperation with the company Continental, and then there was a negotiation with the authorized dealer and servicer of Škoda vehicles in Herzegovina, Apolo, with ŠKODA vehicles, and what is important to say is that all these are names that stand with the biggest events in the world, such as "Tour de France" and many others, and today they are here in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Blidinje BIKE Festival. This is what makes us happy and gives us faith that this event will reach the high limits towards which we are actually aiming, because the year 2024 is only an ascending step towards what awaits us soon", commented Toni Zorić, president of the HerzegovinaBike association.

During the Blidinje BIKE Festival, the company Apolo Mostar will be present at the exhibition fair with ŠKODA vehicles, which participants and visitors will have the opportunity to test in the Blidinje Nature Park, and receive all the information about the novelties that ŠKODA will bring in 2024, as well as how to the easiest and fastest way to become the owner of a new ŠKODA vehicle.

See you in Blidinje!
#SkodaLovesCycling #FeelTheNature

20 Feb, 24

Continental is the general sponsor of the biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Continental Corporation, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers and one of the leaders in the auto industry, is the general sponsor of the Blidinje BIKE Festival, which will be held in the Blidinje Nature Park from July 12 to 14, 2024.

Jedan od najvećih svjetskih proizvođača pneumatika za putnička vozila na tržištu originalne opreme i rezervnih dijelova potencijal je vidio upravo u najvećem biciklističkom događaju u Bosni i Hercegovini. Širom svijeta ova korporacija upošljava preko 190.000 ljudi u 61 zemlji na 554 lokacija. To je velika porodica koja je društveno odgovorna i prisutna u svjetskom biciklizmu već dulji niz godina, a danas žele biti vjetar u leđa razvoju biciklizma u Bosni i Hercegovini.

Continental je sponzor „Tour de France“ događaja, najveće biciklističke utrke na svijetu, koja se održava u Francuskoj svake godine od 1903. godine, a birno je i kazati kako Continental ima svoj tim mlađih kadeta na ovom velikom događaju. Naime, svake godine Tour of France poziva sljedeću generaciju talentiranih biciklista da voze ispred glavnih konkurenata kao službeni kadeti utrke ‒ “Les Cadets Juniors du Tour”. Ovo je iznimna prilika za promicanje biciklizma i isticanje užitka bavljenja sportskim aktivnostima za mlađe naraštaje. Svake godine Continental s ponosom podržava nove događaje na njihovom uzbudljivom putovanju i sve ovo gore navedeno prethodilo je potpisivanju ugovora sa jednim od najvećih biciklističkih festivala u Bosni i Hercegovini – Blidinje BIKE Festival.

Potpisivanje ugovora se dogodilo upravo u Mariboru, središnjici Continentala za Adria regiju, a predsjednik udruge “HerzegovinaBike”, Toni Zorić tom prilikom imao je za kazati: “Ovo danas doista vidim kao velik dan za biciklizam u Bosni i Hercegovini. Naravno, sretni smo što iza našeg Blidinje BIKE Festivala stoji jedan ovako velik partner i prije svega veliko ime kao što je Continental, no bitno je kazati da je ovo tek početak jedne veće suradnje, gdje Continental nastoji ne samo podržavati biciklističke događaje, već razvoj cjelokupnog biciklizma u Bosni i Hercegovini. Vjerujem da ne griješim kada kažem kako je ovo jedno od najvećih imena koje je ikada stalo uz biciklizam u Bosni i Hercegovini i na nama je da njegujemo tu suradnju i činimo velike stvari u godinama koje su pred nama“.

Matko Kariž, ispred Continental organizacije zadužene za razvoj poslovanja u regiji Jugoistočne Europe: „Ponosni smo što možemo podržati organizaciju najvećeg biciklističkog događaja u Bosni i Hercegovini: Blidinje Bike Festival. Tržište Bosne i Hercegovine je vrlo važno za Continental što je vidljivo i u činjenici da je Bosna i Hercegovina jedina država u regiji u kojoj Continental ulaže u razvoj BestDrive mreže servisa za gume i vozila. Baš zbog te važnosti tržišta Bosne i Hercegovine za Continental, donijeli smo odluku o strateškom partnerstvu u promociji biciklizma u Bosni i Hercegovini. Utjecaj biciklizma na društvo u cijelosti je vrlo bitan jer promiče zdrav način života, ali i zaštitu okoliša što je vrlo važan čimbenik u poslovanju Continentala. Veselimo se zajedničkom doprinosu razvoja biciklizma u Bosni i Hercegovini, ali i generalnom poboljšanju mobilnosti stanovništva što je i naša globalna misija“.

Blidinje BIKE Festival, najveći biciklistički festival u Bosni i Hercegovini otvorio je  registracije za svoje peto izdanje događaja koje će se održati od 12. do 14. Srpnja u Parku prirode Blidinje.

REGISTRIRAJ SE OVDJE!

I ove godine središnji dio SKI centra u Parku prirode Blidinje bit će ispunjen zvukom navijanja i zviždanjem horde navijača, dok kotači natjecatelja budu lomili makadamske staze Blidinja u potjeri za najbržim vremenom ulaska u cilj. I ono najvažnije, ove godine Blidinje BIKE Festival nosi visoku kategoriju UCI Class 1, dok se ujedno istog dana održava i Balkansko prvenstvo u maratonu, što znači će Blidinje BIKE Festival polučiti novog Balkanskog prvaka – saznati ćemo tko je najbolji među 20 zemalja svijeta!

Ovaj trodnevni događaj osim MTB maratona sadržavat će i brojne druge outdoor aktivnosti, rekreativni događaji, edukativne radionice, tu su događaji za cijele obitelji, a neće nedostajati ni dobre zabave u kasnim satima, jer i ove godine subota je planirana za noćni party! Ništa bolje od malo zagrijavanja pred nedeljnu utrku.

Više o Blidinje BIKE Festivalu možete pronaći na njihovoj službenoj web adresi: www.bbf.ba