08 Dec, 23

Blidinje Bike Festival is a unique cycling experience that takes place during the last weekend of July in the Blidinje Nature Park. In 2025 we will witness the 7th edition of this festival, and the organizers have taken the event to a new level! Therefore, it is not surprising that the interest in participating is the highest ever.

In 2025, the Blidinje Bike Festival is included in the calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and gains the status of a UCI Class 1 event. In addition, the Balkan Championships will be held within the Blidinje Bike Festival 2025, where athletes from 12 countries of the Balkan Federation will compete for the title of Balkan Champion.

Registration for the XCM Balkan Championship race can be completed through the following link: GBT Timing Service

TEHNICAL GUIDE

XCM BALKAN CHAMPIONSHIP 

Nature park Blidinje; July 11 - 13. 2025.

1.  ORGANISATION

1.1. LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)

    • Toni Zorić; Director of the event Blidinje BIKE Festival”;
      phone: +387 63 400 260;
      mail: toni@herzegovinabike.ba

    • Josip Barišić; Race coordinator “XCM Herzegovina”;
      phone: +387 63 005 555;
      mail: yopajb@gmail.com

Web page: www.bbf.ba

1.2. CYCLING FEDERATION BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

    • Toni Zorić; President of Cycling Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina;
      phone: +387 63 400 260;
      mail: president@bisabih.ba

    • Amar Njemčević; Director of MTB Representation;
      phone: + 387 61 808 021;
      mail: office@bisabih.ba

    • Adnan Mekić; Selector of National Representation;
      phone: +387 61 137 581;
      mail: selektor@bisabih.ba

Web: www.bisabih.ba

1.3. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSAIRES PANEL

    • President of the judging panel: Dražen Oreščanin

    • Elite National Commissaire: Toni Zorić

    • National Commissaire: Mirnas Mujezinović

    • Commissaire: Biljana Krtalić

    • Arrivals Judge: Ivan Širić

    • Moto Commissaire 1: Ivo Čerkez

    • Moto Commissaire 2: Josip Ramljak

    • Timing/Results: Grafo Balkan

    • Timing Announcers: Boris Čerkuč

Web: www.uci.org

 

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

EVENT: XCM Balkan Championship

ORGANIZER: Association HerzegovinaBike and Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

LOCATION: Blidinje Nature Park, Herzegovina-Neretva County: Bosnia and Herzegovina

DATE: July 11 – 13, 2025

2.1. CONTACT

    • Toni Zoric; Event Director;
      phone: +387 63 400 260;
      mail: toni@herzegovinabike.ba
       
    • Josip Barišić; Coordinator of the “XCM Balkan Championship”
      phone: +387 63 005 555;
      mail: yopajb@gmail.com

2.2. RECEPTION CENTER – RACE OFFICE

Visitor Center of Nature park Blidinje (open from Friday; 11.07.2025 from 12.00 h to 19.00 h and Saturday; 12.07.2025 from 10.00 h to 19.00 h)
Masna Luka, b.b, Rakitno 88245
Phone: +387 63 428 308
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dp6Yx9Wx5uTgwPEx5

Blidinje Ski Centar (open on race day on Sunday; 13.07.2025 from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.)
Risovac b.b, Rakitno 88245 Phone: +387 39 718 514
Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/DV9z4tdjSfBxM9Rp8

2.3. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Travel expenses to and from Blidinje Nature Park must be covered by the National Federations or event participants in case they come individually.

Nearest airports are: Mostar International Airport (distance 90km); Sarajevo Airport (distance 110 km); Dubrovnik Airport (distance 210 km)

All participants must hold a valid passport or identity card.

2.4. VISAS

Visa obligations must be respected.
Each Federation is responsible for obtaining documents for their delegation appropriate entries.
For all invitation letter requests please contact the Cycling federation Bosnia and Herzegovina: office@bisabih.ba

All riders and team stuff must hold UCI license

2.5. OFFICIAL ADDRESS OF THE COMPETITION VENUE

Blidinje Nature Park; Blidinje Nature Park; Masna Luka, b.b, Rakitno 88245 Bosnia and Herzegovina

2.6. TEAMS AREA RESERVATION ON START/FINISH ZONE

In order to reserve a place for the team tent at the start/finish area, please contact us by email: xcmherzegovina@gmail.com

Please note: The organizer does not provide the tents, only the place/location where you can pitch your tent.

2.7. OFFICIAL ACCOMMODATION/TRANSFER CONTACTS

All accommodation/transfers details, including hotels list and rooms/meals prices can be found by contacting:

Fortuna Tours Mostar, Rade Bitange 34
88000 Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone: +387 36 552 197; +387 36 551 888
Mail: headoffice@fortuna.ba

2.8. ACCOMMODATION FOR BALKAN REPRESENTATIONS

To book accommodation for the Balkan countries' National teams, contact us by e-mail: xcmherzegovina@gmail.com

NOTE: The organizer provided accommodation for the teams of the Balkan Cycling Union in early registrations do 15. lipnja 2025.

Please note that accommodation capacities in the Blidinje Nature Park are limited, and the organizer has provided accommodation for 50 participants of the Balkan teams, so hurry up and secure a place for your team. After the early registration deadline on June 15, 2025, BCU teams are required to provide their own accommodation for their members.

Please keep in mind that accommodation facilities in the Blidinje Nature Park are motels and private apartments. If you want to reserve hotel accommodation, you will need to look for accommodation outside Blidinje Nature Park, in cities such as Mostar or Široki Brijeg.

All accommodation/transfers details, including hotels list and rooms/meals prices can be found by contacting:

Fortuna Tours Mostar, Rade Bitange 34
88000 Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone: +387 36 552 197; +387 36 551 888
Mail: headoffice@fortuna.ba

2.9. MEDICAL – EMERGENCY – LOCAL AUTHORITIES

A team of doctors and paramedics will be present onsite throughout competitions. The medical team will be based on the track during competition day.

NEAREST HOSPITALS

Public Health Institution Jablanica Sulje Čilića 15, Jablanica 88420
Phone: 036/752-664
Mail: info@dzjablanica.ba
Web: https://www.dzjablanica.ba/ba/index.php

EMERGENCY AMBULANCE: 📞 124

POLICE: 📞 122

2.10. RIDERS SAFETY ON THE ROADS

    • The course will be fully marked for unofficial training on Saturday, July 12th, 2025;

    • Please note that in some sections the track crosses asphalt roads that are over the main road, so we recommend high caution on those sections;

    • Riders on Saturday are training at their own risk;

    • On Sunday, during the race on the track, there will be stewards directing you on the course and ensuring your safety, along with police patrols on the main roads of the Blidinje Nature Park.

    • Please make sure you have your ID with you and light when you are outside the venue, on public road.

3. TEAM SERVICES

3.1. ACCREDITATION

Riders/Officials Accreditation
Accreditations will be available from Friday, July 11th, at the race office according to the schedule below:

Visitor Center of Blidinje Nature Park
Friday, July 11th; from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 12.07.; from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm

Blidinje Ski Centar (on the day of the race)
Sunday, 13.07.; from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m

Please ensure that you collect your accreditation before arriving at the venue, as it will be Required for access to all parts of the venue. Accreditations must be worn and visible whenever you pass through accreditation controls.

Race Office opening hours

Friday, July 11th from 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, July 12th from 10:00am – 7:00pm
Location: Visitor Center of Blidinje Nature Park 
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dp6Yx9Wx5uTgwPEx5

Sunday, 13.07. 08:00 - 10:00
Location: Blidinje Ski Resort (on the day of the race)
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DV9z4tdjSfBxM9Rp8

4. OFFICIAL MEETINGS

4.1. COMMISSAIRES PANEL MEETING

Date: Saturday 12.07.
Time: 16:00h
Location: Commissaires meeting room, Visitor Center of Blidinje Nature Park

4.2. RIDERS BRIEFING

Date: Saturday 12.07.
Time: 18:00h
Location: Visitor Center of Blidinje Nature Park

Attendance is required by:

    • Balkan Cycling Union & Cycling Federation BiH Presidents

    • UCI and National Commissaires

    • The National Team Coaches

    • Team Managers

    • Event Director

    • Event Technical & Safety Delegate

4.3. PRESENTATION OF REPRESENTATIONS

The official presentation of the National Teams participating in the Balkan Championship is scheduled for Saturday; 12.07.2025 starting at 16.00 in front of the Blidinje SKI Center.

5. MEDIA

5.1. MEDIA CENTRE

The Media Centre is located at Visitor Center of Blidinje Nature Park. Electricity supply and WiFi signal are provided for the media. In order to access the Media Centre an accreditation is necessary. To apply for media accreditation, please follow this link: https://bbf.ba/podrucje-za-medije/

Media and photographers accreditation’s can be collected during the opening hours of the race office.

Please ensure that you collect your accreditation as soon as you arrive as it will be required for access to all parts of the venue. Accreditations must be worn and visible whenever you pass through accreditation controls.

6. PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

6.1. COMPETITION SCHEDULE *

Friday; 11.07.
Race office open from 12.00h – collect accreditations and race bibs numbers

Saturday, 12.07.
Race office open from 10:00h till 19.00h – collect accreditations and race bibs
Followed by – Training on track all day

Sunday, 13.07.
Race office open from 08.00 – 10.00h
10.00h – Start race UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina & Balkan Championship

* subject to changes

 

7. EVENT SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

7.1. GENERAL RULES

    • „XCM Balkan Championship“ race is organised by the Association Herzegovina Bike and Cycling federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    • The event will be organised in accordance with rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and these rules will be the reference for everything that is not mentioned in the current document.

    • The "XCM Balkan Championship" race consists of an MTB marathon race scheduled for 13.07.2025.

    • XCM Balkan Championship race is open to individual riders and National teams, license holders of their National Federation.

    • The Balkan championship is open and individual drivers can register.

    • The “XCM Herzegovina” race is open to individual riders for Non-Elite categories with or riders without license.

    • The individual riders without a UCI license will be part of the Amateur category.

Rewards

    • Medals for the first 3 men and medals for the first 3 women will be awarded.

    • The prize fund of the race "UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina" is awarded according to the UCI regulations (valid only for riders registered for a UCI race).

    • For the other categories that compete in the “XCM Herzegovina” race (small track), merchandise prizes are guaranteed.

7.2. TYPE OF THE EVENT

XCM Balkan Championship (large track 83,69 km) is open to riders from the categories:

    • Woman Elite
    • Men Elite
    • Women Master A
    • Men Master A

The “XCM Herzegovina” (small track 52,10 km) is open to riders from the categories:

    • Women Cadets

    • Men Cadets

    • Women Junior

    • Men Junior

    • Women Master (unified category)

    • Men Master B

    • Men Master C

    • Men Master D

    • Women Amateur (unified category)

    • Men Amateur A (up to 17 years)

    • Men Amateur B (17-35 years)

    • Men Amateur C (iznad 35 godina)

7.3. PARTICIPATION

Online registrations open on January 5, 2025. Registration will be done via the following link: GBT Timing Service

Registrations:

    • Early registration: from 05.01. until 31.03.2025. – €20.00

    • Regular registrations: from 01.04. to 20.06.2025. – €30.00

    • Kasne prijave: 21.06. do 08.07.2025. – 40,00 €

    • Applications in the last week: 08.07. to 13.07.2025. – €50.00

Please note:

    • Representations of Balkan countries that are members of the Balkan Union and reported to the organizer by the National Federation are exempt from paying the registration fee.

    • ll riders who are not from Bosnia and Herzegovina, i.e., foreign riders facing issues with paying the registration fee or experiencing high banking charges when paying the fee from their country, are kindly requested to contact the organizer for special payment arrangements at: xcmherzegovina@gmail.com

    • In the event of any disqualification or withdrawal from the competition, the entry fee is not refundable, either in whole or in part.

For payments in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Association HerzegovinaBike;
Milana Šuflaja 58; Mostar
Account number: 3381302232463058
Indicate: Registration Fee for XCM Herzegovina

For payments outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Card payment is possible for participants outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Monry service. For this type of payment, contact us by email: xcmherzegovina@gmail.com

The license check and distribution of the bib number will take place in Visitor Centre Nature park Blidinje.

Onsite registration is available..

The starter pack includes:

    • The right to participate in the Blidinje BIKE Festival event and participate in races

    • Starting number for the XCM Herzegovina race

    • Timing chip

    • Lunch on Saturday and Sunday

    • Finisher medal

    • Stewardship services at the race and rich feed zones

    • Washing the bike after the race

    • Access to the Bike Service Center

    • Medical assistance

    • Entrance to the Pasta party on Saturday; 12.07.2025.

In the event of any disqualification or withdrawal from the competition, the entry fee is not refundable, either in whole or in part.

Start confirmation and collection of start numbers is at RACE OFFICE.
Address: Visitor Center Blidinje Nature park
Location:   https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxGZ8Y9sNr83hJx86

    • Friday; 11.07.2025. from 12.00 to 19.00

    • Saturday; 12.07.2025. from 10.00 to 19.00

The planned arrival of the National Teams and teams is on Friday; 11.07.2025. or on Saturday 12.07.2025.

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, training on the XCM Herzegovina Marathon course is possible until 3 p.m.

The presentation of the National Teams participating in the 2025 XCM Balkan Championship is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Blidinje SKI Center (start/finish zone).

The organizer has provided lunch for all participants of the “XCM Balkan Championship” on Saturday, July 12th, at approximately 2:00 PM (after the recreational bike ride) and Sunday, July 13th after the race.

Riders Briefing
On Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM, a briefing for drivers or team escorts is scheduled in the Visitor Center of the Blidinje Nature Park, with the presence of members of the judging panel.
Location:   https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxGZ8Y9sNr83hJx86

8. UCI POINTS LIST*

No. Points Elite Men Points Elite Women
1. 60 60
2. 40 40
3. 30 30
4. 25 25
5. 20 20
6. 18 18
7. 16 16
8. 14 14
9. 12 12
10. 10 10
11. 8 8
12. 6 6
13. 4 4
14. 2 2
15. 1 1
16. X X
*Applicable only to riders registered for a UCI C1 race

9. AWARD CEREMONIES AND PRIZE MONEY LIST

The first 3 riders of the Final Classification of each category will present themselves for the official ceremony.

UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina*
Categories Woman Elite and Men Elite Champion jersey & medals and prize money.

XCM Balkan Championship 
For the Women Elite, Men Elite, Women Master and Men Master categories – Winners' jerseys and medals.

XCM Herzegovina
Cadets, Junior, Master B, Master C, Amater in Women and Men Categories medals.

PRIZE MONEY

No. Men Elite Woman Elite
1. 120 120
2. 100 100
3. 80 80
4. 60 60
5. 50 50
6. 40 40
7. 30 30
8. 25 25
9. 20 20
10. 10 10
TOTAL 535,00 € 535,00 €
*Applicable only to riders registered for a UCI C1 race

10. ANTIDOPING CONTROLS

The antidoping regulations of the Agency for Anti-Doping Control of Bosnia and Herzegovina are entirely applicable to the event. The antidoping tests will take place at the antidoping station located in: Blidinje SKI Center.

More informations: https://www.ada.gov.ba/index.php/bs/

11. PENALTIES

The UCI penalty scale is the only one applicable.

12. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Organiser and Cycling federation Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot, in any case, be held responsible in the event of accidents or material damage which may occur during official training and / or competitions.

The Organiser and Cycling federation Bosnia and Herzegovina decline any responsibility towards the riders, accompanying persons and thirdparties in the event of an accident.

In all cases not provided for in the specific regulations, the UCI regulations will be applicable.

13. XCM BALKAN CHAMPIONSHIP MAP AND PROFILE

Plan rute XCM Balkansko Prvenstvo 2025

Length: 83.78 km; Total ascent: 1,861 m
Link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/250898197

Route plan XCM HERZEGOVINA (small track)


Length: 56.55 km; Total ascent: 925 m
Link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/250897893