At this year’s General Assembly of the Balkan Cycling Union (BCU), held in Tirana, the capital of Albania, a significant decision was made for the sporting and tourism promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the excellent organization of the Balkan Mountain Bike Championship in 2024, Blidinje Nature Park has once again been selected to host this prestigious competition in 2025. The decision reflects unanimous support from BCU member nations and the high ratings awarded to last year’s event by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and participants alike.
A Major Recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina
This achievement is the result of continuous efforts by the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote the country as an ideal destination for top-tier cycling competitions. Toni Zorić, President of the Federation, highlighted the importance of last year’s event in gaining the trust of international institutions:
““In 2024 , we invested tremendous effort to deliver exceptional organization and showcase our country in the best possible light. The positive evaluations from UCI and the participants’ words of praise confirm our success. Our challenge now is to exceed expectations in 2025 and maintain the continuity of excellence, with a clear goal of Blidinje Nature Park eventually hosting the European Championship.”.”
Blidinje offers not only spectacular nature and perfect conditions for mountain biking but also serves as a key location for the development of sports and tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hosting events like this brings not only sporting achievements but also significant international promotion for the region.
Tirana – A Symbol of Cycling Growth in the Balkans
This year’s BCU General Assembly was held in Tirana, a city currently in the global cycling spotlight. Albania is set to host three stages of the prestigious Giro d’Italia, bringing immense media and tourism promotion to the country. Against this backdrop of development and growth, the decision to entrust Bosnia and Herzegovina with hosting the Balkan Championship takes on even greater significance.
Toni Zorić – Newly Elected Member of the Balkan Cycling Union Management Board
In addition to Bosnia and Herzegovina securing the hosting of the Balkan Championship, the country has received another major recognition. Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been elected to the Management Board of the Balkan Cycling Union. Zorić received the trust of the 12 member countries, recognizing his contributions to cycling development not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also on a regional level.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be elected to the Management Board of the Balkan Cycling Union. This is yet another sign that Bosnia and Herzegovina is doing great work and moving in the right direction. This trust brings added responsibility but also an opportunity to represent the interests of my country and our athletes even more strongly. I thank all member countries for their trust, and it is now my duty to do everything I can to justify it,” said Zorić.
President of the Balkan Cycling Union was elected Emin Muftuoglu (Turkey) for a four-year term.
Support from the European Cycling Federation
The General Assembly in Tirana was attended by Enrico Della Casa, President of the European Cycling Federation, who expressed his satisfaction with the work of the Balkan Cycling Union and its new leadership. In a social media post, the European Cycling Federation emphasized its commitment to continued collaboration with the BCU, expressing confidence in the bright future of cycling in the Balkans.
The Future of Cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The decisions made in Tirana confirm that Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the right track in developing cycling. Hosting the Balkan Championship in Blidinje Nature Park in 2025 is not only an opportunity to further promote cycling but also to strengthen the country’s reputation in sports and tourism. With Toni Zorić’s appointment to the BCU Management Board, Bosnia and Herzegovina has gained a strong ambassador and advocate for the interests of its athletes on the international stage.
With continued effort and dedication, cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina has the potential to become a model for successful sports development in the Balkans.
