Blidinje BIKE Festival, the biggest cycling event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this year brings an extraordinary opportunity for all cycling enthusiasts and professionals. This festival, which takes place in the wonderful surroundings of the Blidinje Nature Park, will host educational programs for coaches, enabling them to acquire valuable knowledge and skills from UCI certified coaches and experts.
Cooperation between the Bicycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UCI
The Bicycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the International Cycling Union (UCI), launched an ambitious project of training coaches and working bodies within the federation. The goal of this cooperation is to improve the quality of training and work with children and younger generations, which will increase the involvement of children in cycling and enable them to participate in prestigious UCI races.
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The global and unique development of cycling is at the core of the UCI's strategy, which is achieved by supporting new cycling nations and promoting the sport to increase its popularity worldwide. In order to better focus on the National Federations that are considered to need support, the UCI sets priorities and provides support in the work of the National Federations through training programs, education or the allocation of materials and equipment for the National Teams. Let's remind you that last year, the young BiH National Team received bicycles and equipment from the UCI to use in order to have better conditions for training and going to races.
Education programs
When the training program is ready, UCI top cycling coaches will train more than 20 coaches from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina through two main training programs - UCI Level 1 and UCI Level 2. The first level of training, UCI Level 1, will be held online and will serve as an introduction to the more advanced UCI Level 2. This advanced level will be held live during a ten-day educational program as part of the Blidinje BIKE Festival.
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Support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science
Recognizing the importance of this project, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science supported the initiative. In addition to technical and tactical training, participants will have the opportunity to take part in education about the negative consequences of doping and drug abuse in sports, which will be conducted by the Anti-Doping Control Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
„Thanks to the cooperation with the International Cycling Union (UCI), through two main training programs - UCI Level 1 and UCI Level 2 - we will educate more than 20 trainers, which means a lot to us as the Bicycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These programs will enable our coaches to acquire advanced knowledge and skills, which they will then pass on to children and younger generations, which will increase the involvement of young people in cycling and ensure their preparation for participation in international competitions.", commented Toni Zorić, president of the Cycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "
„The support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science further emphasizes the importance of this project. In addition to technical and tactical training, participants will have the opportunity to participate in education about the negative consequences of doping and drug abuse in sports, which is crucial for creating a healthy sports environment.", Zorić added.
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This project aims to create a strong base of educational resources and trained trainers who will pass on their knowledge and passion for cycling to younger generations. With the help of these initiatives, it is expected to increase the number of young cyclists, better preparation for competitions and the creation of new talents who will be able to compete on the international stage.
Blidinje BIKE Festival represents a unique opportunity for all cycling fans to participate in an event that promises a lot of excitement, knowledge and sportsmanship. We invite all those interested to join us, use the opportunity for education and enjoy the beauty of our country. Through cooperation with the UCI and the support of local institutions, this event not only promotes cycling but also ensures the sustainable development of the sport through education and support of coaches and young athletes.
All cycling enthusiasts, whether they are beginners or experienced riders, have the opportunity to participate in this unique event that promises a lot of excitement, knowledge and sportsmanship.