The organizers of the event "Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival", which is held for the seventh year in a row, but for the first time as a higher-level event, i.e. as the Balkan Championship and the UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina Marathon, with the approval of the Balkan Federation and the World Cycling Federation, were presented today by the presidents of the Government of Herzegovina- Neretva County Mariji Buhač project of this year's event.
The President of the Cycling Association of BiH, Toni Zorić, emphasized the touristic and economic importance of both the project itself, which is growing into a traditional summer event in the Blidinje Nature Park, and the fact that this year they are making a big step forward in terms of gathering cyclists from approximately 20 European countries, with hundreds of participants. on the trails of Blidinje, which in lengths of 56 km and 85 km will pass through the most beautiful areas of Blidinje, but also connect cultural and historical destinations.
"The World Cycling Federation (UCI) approved us to organize a first-class race, with the ultimate intention of organizing the European Championship in Herzegovina, expected in the coming four years. The project is extremely complex, large and comprehensive, because over three days, with the opening on July 12, in addition to the official race, we have planned a family recreational day, an appropriate fair of cycling equipment and indigenous Herzegovina products, training for new cycle tourism guides, training for children and young athletes , but also our tourist offers. As Blidinje administratively belongs to the area of three counties, family businesses, small businesses, restaurateurs and tourism workers from the area of HNŽ, ZHŽ and HBŽ are also included in the organization", explained Zorić.
Apart from him, the project was also discussed Marija Vukoja, head of the "Visit Blidinje" project and Ivan Jurilj, director of the Office for European Integration at the Government of ZHŽ, has been actively involved in projects for the development of cycle tourism and the branding of Herzegovina as a unique tourist product for years.
“This is a serious project on the path of tourism development not only in HNŽ, but in Herzegovina as a region and it deserves our attention and support. Cyclotourism is undoubtedly one of the most potent tourism branches in this climate and, as such, it naturally stands out among our strategically important activities, especially in the light of the preparation of the Tourism Development Strategy of HNŽ. The support of the Government of HNŽ will not be lacking, and I am of the opinion that, together with colleagues from neighboring counties, we must strongly support ideas and projects that lead to the creation of a unique Herzegovinian tourist brand that makes us more globally visible and attractive. The Balkan, tomorrow and European cycling championships in our natural pearl, the Blidinje Nature Park, is certainly one of those", concluded Buhač.
Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be held from July 12-14, 2024, and the organizers are announcing a spectacular weekend. You can view the event program on the official website Blidinje BIKE Festival website (link)
