Blidinje BIKE Festival, the biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is here! Registration opens today for the fifth edition of the Blidinje BIKE Festival event, which will take place from July 12 to 14 in the Blidinje Nature Park.
This year too, the central part of the SKI center on Blidinje will be filled with the sound of cheering and whistling by hordes of fans, while the wheels of competitors break the macadam trails of the Blidinje approach park in pursuit of the fastest time to reach the finish line. And the most important thing, this year Blidinje BIKE Festival raste! The XCM Herzegovina race, which takes place on the last day of the festival, carries the UCI Class 1 wax category, while the Balkan Marathon Championship is also held on the same day, which means that the Blidinje BIKE Festival will receive a new Balkan champion - we will find out who is the best among 20 countries in the world!
This three-day event, in addition to the MTB marathon, will also include numerous other outdoor activities, there are events for the whole family, and there will be no shortage of good entertainment in the late hours, because Saturday is also planned for a night party this year! Nothing better than a little warm up before Sunday's race.
“Cycling has been such a popular activity lately, the organizers have put in a lot of effort this year, and with so many people looking forward to participating in this event again, we want to have an event in Blidinje that showcases cycling at its best. We expect more than 20 countries of the world and at the same time, we see this as an excellent opportunity to promote the Blidinje Nature Park as an excellent destination for outdoor activities at the door of Europe", said Marija Vukoja Lastvić, Visit Blidinje.
Push your pace in one or two demanding stages, cruise through dreamy routes and enjoy local delicacies – that's what makes the XCM Herzegovina race unique! We have two trails to choose from 👉 you can choose the 84 km trail with an ascent of 1,960 meters or the 53 km trail with 955 meters!? 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. Regardless of your choice, an exciting event awaits you in the Blidinje Nature Park!
The "HerzegovinaBike" association, in cooperation with the Mostar Bicycle Club, the Bicycle Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Visit Blidinje association, is once again organizing the largest bicycle festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Blidinje BIKE Festival. According to the organizers, this cohesion and collaboration between various associations and institutions contribute to a high-quality event organization, receiving top ratings for the fifth consecutive year.
In the middle of the season, when the heat is at its peak, the cycling scene heads to the mountains to test their skills at the Blidinje BIKE Festival, traditionally held in the last week of July. Three days of events in the Blidinje Nature Park focus on mountain biking, recreation, educational workshops, entertainment, and much more. Hundreds of visitors are expected, with the highlight being the MTB Marathon UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the XCM Balkan Championship, where professional cyclists from 20 countries will compete. Additionally, there is an exciting accompanying program, including activities for the youngest bikers on the trail, family gatherings, and a party on Saturday starting at 6:00 PM, rounding out the festival weekend with a sense of fulfillment.
The Blidinje BIKE Festival traditionally starts the last week of July, and this year is no exception. Over three days of events, from Friday to Sunday, numerous visitors will have access to an exciting program. This year, the entire three-day program will be centered around cycling, including recreational rides, education for young bikers, family-friendly gatherings, and the action of professionals participating in the MTB marathon UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina, as well as the Balkan Championship featuring National Teams from 12 countries. Recreational visitors can look forward to a new bike ride route, which includes exploring famous Blidinje destinations, cycling around the lake, and visiting two renowned hospitality venues with a taste of local dishes.
And for the professionals, a special challenge awaits on the spectacular marathon track!
For the first time at the Blidinje Bike Festival, embark on the exciting XCM Herzegovina race - which this year carries the UCI Class 1 rank and includes the Balkan Championship race - and immerse yourself in the pure Herzegovinian atmosphere and true natural beauty. We are preparing for approximately 200 participants ready to choose their challenge. Pedal between the Vran and Čvrsnica mountains, next to the peaceful Blidinje lake and picturesque villages. And here's the sugar on top of this race: don't forget the usual breaks at the feed zones! At several places on the trail, a gourmet stand with refreshments awaits you. Enjoy our common passion for cycling!
Friday; July 12, 2024:
The program kicks off on Friday with the opening of the race and team office, where National Teams, teams, and participants can pick up their race packages, check into accommodation, and start exploring and getting to know Blidinje Nature Park. This is followed by a Gala dinner for sponsors and project friends, as well as a project presentation to all participants during the Gala dinner. It is important to mention that the entire team involved in organizing the project will already be on Blidinje from Friday, preparing everything for the next two days.
Saturday; July 13, 2024:
Saturday traditionally gathers cyclists around the recreational bike ride “Trail of the Hajduk,” including the youngest participants of this event, namely entire families who enjoy a well-organized program during the weekend in the Blidinje Nature Park. The recreational bike ride in this year will undergo slight changes in the trail, and besides the usual visit to famous Blidinje destinations and a ride around the lake, we have added a visit to two renowned catering establishments with a tasting of local dishes: Hajdučke vrleti Blidinje and restaurant Risovac will prepare an outdoor buffet with local Blidinje delicacies for all participants. Right after the bike ride, a presentation of National Teams participating in the Balkan Championship will take place in front of the Blidinje SKI center. The day will conclude with a DJ party and cocktail event at the Staza restaurant starting at 6:00 PM.
Sunday; July 14, 2024:
Sunday is marked by the professional MTB race UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the Balkan Championship, but we must not forget the “XCM Herzegovina” race, which is ridden on the short trail and is once again scored for the Premier League of BiH. Blidinje BIKE Festival will gather the best mountain bikers from 20 countries this year as well. Two routes are available to event participants:
- UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the Balkan Championship (for Elite and Masters categories): This race is on the long trail, covering a distance of 84 km with a 1,960 meters ascent.
- XCM Herzegovina: This race is on a short course, covering a distance of 52 km with an ascent of 950 meters.
One thing is for sure – both trails will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of Blidinje.
These are just some of the juiciest news from the Bike Festival 2024. For all information, feel free to explore web stranicu Blidinje BIKE Festival where you will find all the details and the entire program. And now, you just need to start cycling with your imagination. The long-awaited cycling event in Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon become a reality in the Blidinje Nature Park!
