EVENT PROGRAM BLIDINJE BIKE FESTIVAL

Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is here!

Push your pace in one of two challenging stages, cruise through dreamy routes and enjoy local delicacies – that's what makes the race XCM Herzegovina unique! We have two paths in the selection 👉 you can choose the path from 84 km with an altitude of 1,864 m for die-hard professionals or those shorter than 53 km with 955 m altitude for athletes who like a slightly lighter type of competition!?
You are not a racing type, high pace and constant pressure do not interest you. You prefer a relaxed ride with friends, easy cycling exploring destinations and tasting local delicacies - we've got you covered, there's recreational event "Stazom Ajduka".
Regardless of your choice, an exciting event awaits you in the Blidinje Nature Park!

Blidinje BIKE Festival traditionally starts in the month of July, and this year is no exception. During the three days of the event, from Friday to Sunday, many visitors will have access to an exciting program. This year, the entire three-day program will be focused on cycling, including recreational rides, education for young cyclists, education of cycle tour guides, an exhibition program, family gatherings and the action of professional participants at the MTB marathon UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina, as well as the Balkan Championship with national teams from 12 countries. Recreational cyclists can look forward to a new cycling route that includes exploring the famous destinations of Blidinje, riding around the lake and visiting two well-known catering establishments while tasting local dishes.

Friday; July 11, 2025.

ARRIVAL OF NATIONAL TEAMS (click for info)

From 12:00, the race office opens for the registration of national teams and competitors. After registering and picking up the starting packages, all national teams will be directed according to their accommodation capacities.

PROJECT PRESENTATION TO VIP INVITES

Visitor Center Blidinje Nature park will be the place of presentation of the Blidinje BIKE Festival project to all our VIP guests, friends, sponsors and presidents of cycling associations who will be guests at the event. The word will have:

  • Marija Vukoja, president of the Visit Blidinje association: Welcome speech and presentation of the Blidinje Nature Park;
  • Toni Zorić, president of the Cycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Opening of the Blidinje BIKE Festival, and presentation of the project to the guests;
  • Lejla Njemčević, the world's first female cyclist: Our best female cyclist will talk about her path to success, cycling in the world and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the comparison of the Blidinje BIKE Festival with events in Europe and the world;
  • Ivan Jurilj, director of the ŽZH office for EU integration: Presentation of future cycle tourism projects in Herzegovina, and the positive effect of the projects realized so far;
  • Nedo Pinezić, president of the Family Tourism Association of Croatia: Positive values of cycle tourism in the world and in the Republic of Croatia, and the positive effects of projects like the Blidinje BIKE Festival on the development of the destination and tourism.

Pogledaj spisak gostiju na VIP prezentaciji događaja – HERE (link)..

GALA DINNER

After the presentation, the guests will be escorted to the restaurant "Hajdučke vrleti" for a festive dinner, conversation and continued socializing.


Saturday; July 12, 2025.

RECREATIONAL EVENT "STAZOM 'AJDUKA"

As early as 10:00 a.m., we start with our traditional bicycle tour that takes you through the most beautiful parts of Blidinje while you get to know the destinations and historical sights. But, on recreational event "Stazom 'Ajduka" don't expect to be in a calorie deficit. Our hosts, Restaurant Risovac and Restaurant Hajdučke Vrleti, will make sure your cycling palates are rewarded for the effort you put in pedaling through the nature park. A tasting of local food and products awaits you, and Blidinje delicacies are widely known, so we are sure that you will remember this cycling adventure for a long time.

EXPO PROGRAM
  • Continental – Exhibition program, promotion of Continental products, prize games and promotional materials;
  • Škoda Apolo – Testing of new models of Škoda vehicles, introduction to novelties from the world of cars, promotional materials;
  • Proteini.si – sportska prehrana i dodacima za zdravlje;
  • Lasta – Domaći slatki proizvodi iz Hercegovine;
  • Capriolo SC Mostar – Exhibition program of Capriolo, Ghost and Corratec bicycles and equipment;
  • M-Bike Shop – Izložbeni program bicikala i opreme;
  • Trek Bikes – Exhibition program of Trek bicycles and equipment;
  • Giant Bikes – Izložbeni program bicikala i opreme;
  • ExtremeShop Split – Exhibition program of Specialized bicycles and equipment;
  • QUEST.hr - Exhibition program of cycling clothing and footwear
  • Dubrovnik Bike Adventure Shop – Službeni serviser na događaju
  • Mini sajam 13 lokalnih proizvođača from Blidinje in cooperation with Visit Blidinje;
EDUCATION OF CYCLO-TOURIST GUIDES

Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the CISP and the ŽZH Office for EU Integration, will organize another training session for cycle tour guides. This education stems from the need due to the increasing number of cycle tourists from all over the world and the growing demand for cycle tourism guides by domestic and foreign travel agencies and operators. The lecturers at this two-day training will be Stanislava Borovac and Emir Vučijak.
Time of event: Saturday; 12.07. and Sunday; 13.07.2025 at Visitor center of Blidinje Nature Park (link).

EDUCATION ON THE TRAINING OF ATHLETES AND REPRESENTATIVES

On Saturday, July 13, 2025, in in the large hall of the Staza restaurant, there will be education on training and preparation of athletes, as well as preparation for marathon races such as the XCM Herzegovina race. The lecturers at this workshop will be:

  • Amar Njemčević, UCI 1st class coach – Training and preparation of athletes for Marathon races, organization of the training plan and program, and nutrition of athletes;
  • Matija Kvasina, former professional cyclist, today coach of the Croatian National Team, will talk about the path from a recreational player to a professional cyclist.
NIGHT PARTY

After an excellently organized day, it's always a good time to have some fun with the team over a glass of beer. Immerse yourself in a fantastic party filled with a great music program, hot beats, refreshing drinks and local delicacies that will leave you hungry for more programs and socializing.

Don’t miss the bash of the year! At the official Bike Festival Party on Saturday night, it’s not just the DJ bringing the heat. Get ready to groove!


Sunday; July 13, 2025.

XCM BALKAN CHAMPIONSHIP

On Sunday, July 13, 2024, the trails of the Blidinje Nature Park will become the arena for the title of Balkan Champion. On XCM Balkan Championship athletes from 12 countries of the Balkan Federation will perform, all with one goal - to win the title of Balkan champion. The race is open for categories: Elite men and women, and Master A men and women.

UCI CLASS 1 XCM MARATHON RACE

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m., the UCI C1 race "XCM Herzegovina" which carries the Class 1 category. The race will feature Elite category cyclists in the male and female categories.
The race is open to the following categories: Elite Men and Elite Women.

XCM HERZEGOVINA RACE

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, starting at 10:05 a.m., it will start XCM Herzegovina 2024. where all categories will perform (except Elite and Master A categories) in the fight for the first place on the podium. A small track, 56 km long, will bring plenty of adrenaline and fun. Although it is shorter than the one where the Elite categories perform, believe me, it will not leave you indifferent. This race is scored for the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina for cyclists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while it is open to all other cyclists.

EXPO PROGRAM
  • Continental – Exhibition program, promotion of Continental products, prize games and promotional materials;
  • Škoda Apolo – Testing of new models of Škoda vehicles, introduction to novelties from the world of cars, promotional materials;
  • Proteini.si – sportska prehrana i dodacima za zdravlje;
  • Lasta – Domaći slatki proizvodi iz Hercegovine;
  • Capriolo SC Mostar – Exhibition program of Capriolo, Ghost and Corratec bicycles and equipment;
  • M-Bike Shop – Izložbeni program bicikala i opreme;
  • Trek Bikes – Exhibition program of Trek bicycles and equipment;
  • Giant Bikes – Izložbeni program bicikala i opreme;
  • ExtremeShop Split – Exhibition program of Specialized bicycles and equipment;
  • QUEST.hr - Exhibition program of cycling clothing and footwear
  • Dubrovnik Bike Adventure Shop – Službeni serviser na događaju
  • Mini sajam 13 lokalnih proizvođača from Blidinje in cooperation with Visit Blidinje;
TV/VIDEO PROMOTION

Local television "City TV BiH” will broadcast live from the event, including the start/finish of the race, parts of the track and the presentation of the exhibition program. All exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their products to TV presenters, present the latest novelties from their industry and thus attract cycling fans who follow the event on small screens. The broadcast will be available on the TV channel, YouTube channel and Facebook network, as well as on the LED display on the main stage where the announcement of the winners will also take place.

SPORTS STUDIO AT THE SITE OF THE EVENT

We will set up a small studio on the plateau of the Blidinje SKI track, which will be led by Amar Njemčević, who will monitor and comment on the race live in English. The broadcast will take place live on the Facebook and YouTube channel of the event, and after the end of the race, interviews with the athletes are planned.

CEREMONIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS

Boris Čerkuč, our most famous radio host, will once again be a popular host at this year's event – the Blidinje BIKE Festival. Known for his ability to entertain, bring smiles to faces and raise the mood to the highest level, Boris will entertain us again this year and keep us focused on the finish line as we wait for the competitors to finish the race. After crossing the finish line, Boris will again invite the best athletes to the stage to begin the ceremonial act of declaring the winner.


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


SHORT AGENDA

Friday; July 11, 2025.

  • 12.00 – 19.00h Race office open
  • 19.00h Gala dinner
  • Accommodation of national teams
  • Individual tours of Blidinje Nature park

Saturday; July 12, 2025.

  • 10:00 - 19:00h Race office open
  • 09.00 - 18.00h Training on XCM Herzegovina track
  • 10.00h Recreational event Stazom Ajduka
  • 13.00h Lunch
  • 16.00h Commessaire meeting
  • 17.00h Presentation of National Teams at the Balkan Championship
  • 19.00h Briefing
  • 20.00h Pasta party

Sunday; July 13, 2025.

  • 08:00 - 10:00h Race office open
  • 09:30h Riders on start position
  • 10.00h Start race UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina
  • 15.00h Avards Ceremony Blidinje SKI centar

Program