This week, Čapljina is hosting the young national cycling team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is undergoing intensive preparations as part of a training camp. Continuing the successful project of gathering young athletes, which has been held in Mostar for the past three years, this year the camp is moving to a new location for the first time, with the goal of promoting sports and tourism in various parts of the country.
The camp is being implemented through the UCI Solidarity project with the support of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Cycling Union (UCI). This year has seen a record number of participants, with 40% more registrations compared to previous years, confirming the growing popularity of this project.
The Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has provided accommodation for all camp participants, ensuring optimal conditions for training and development. The mild climate of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina during this time of the year offers ideal conditions for cycling preparations, which is one of the reasons why the location selection is focused on the southern regions of the country.
"Training camps are essential for the development of young cyclists, as they give them the opportunity to train, socialize, and learn from each other. Every year, we strive to introduce innovations, and this time, it is Čapljina. Our plan is to change the location annually to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sports and tourism destination. Our long-term goal is to expand the project internationally to bring together young cyclists from different countries, encourage the exchange of experiences, and improve the sport of cycling," said Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As part of the training camp, a course for race judges and commissaires is also being held, aimed at creating new officiating teams and refreshing the knowledge of existing commissaires. During the course, participants will receive the new 2025 regulations to be fully prepared for the upcoming season. The education of judges and commissaires is a key segment in the development of cycling, and this course ensures continuous professionalization and alignment with international standards.
To further improve and promote the project in Čapljina, the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina requested an official meeting with the Mayor of Čapljina to present the project and its long-term goals. However, no response has been received so far. Until now, we have always received support from local institutions, notably from the City of Mostar and the Sports Association of the City of Mostar, which have helped in the implementation of this project in Mostar in previous years.
This camp represents a significant step in the development of young athletes, and the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues its mission of fostering a sporting spirit, teamwork, and cycling as an essential part of an active lifestyle.
