At the Congress of the European Cycling Union (UEC), held in Bratislava, Bosnia and Herzegovina made a historic breakthrough on the international sports scene. Toni Zorić was elected as one of the delegates who will represent Europe at the Congresses of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) during a four-year mandate. The first such Congress will take place on September 25 during the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
This marks the first time that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a representative at such a high level within the international cycling community. As a delegate, Toni Zorićwill directly participate in shaping global sports policy alongside representatives from 197 UCI member countries. His election is a recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence on the global sports stage and the result of years of work in developing and promoting cycling in the country and the region.
Toni Zorić,on the occasion of his election, stated: "It is an incredible honor and a great privilege to be part of a team that will work with dedication and passion to advance cycling at the global level. I sincerely thank all the nations that have entrusted me with their confidence—I am fully aware of the responsibility I now bear, and I will do everything to justify it. My mission remains clear—Bosnia and Herzegovina and our athletes will always be my top priority. I firmly believe that we now have the opportunity to create better conditions for the development of cycling and to enable our athletes to compete in the biggest races in the world—because their dream should also be our reality..”
He added: "We have proven that, even with minimal resources, we can achieve extraordinary results and position ourselves alongside major nations with multi-million-dollar sports budgets. However, it is high time that our national institutions recognize the potential we have and provide athletes and sports professionals with the support they deserve. Only with systematic backing can we ensure that our talented athletes proudly represent Bosnia and Herzegovina on the global stage and build successful sports careers while carrying the colors of their homeland with pride.”
The UEC Congress, attended by officials from 49 out of 51 member countries, also confirmed the re-election of Enrico Della Casa as president of the organization. Additionally, new members of the UEC Management Board were elected, and European candidates for the UCI Management Committee, as well as delegates for the upcoming UCI Congress, were selected.
President UCI, David Lappartientwho attended the Congress, emphasized the importance of collaboration between UCI and UEC in strengthening and developing cycling, as well as the role of delegates in ensuring the sport’s accessibility, safety, and sustainability.
The election of Toni Zorić represents a significant milestone for cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, opening new opportunities for the advancement of the sport at both national and international levels.
Photo credit: UNION EUROPÉENNE DE CYCLISME (UEC)
