SARAJEVO – At today’s press conference held in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the official organization of the first edition of the international cycling race “Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina” was announced – a sporting event that will place Bosnia and Herzegovina on the map of major international cycling competitions.
The race will take place in three stages, with the route symbolically connecting key regions and destinations of our country – from Sarajevo, through Herzegovina, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. This event unites sport, tourism, culture, and the promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural beauty.
“This is a historic moment for our country. I’m happy because when I was appointed as president, I promised that Bosnia and Herzegovina would get its own Grand Tour. We are currently the only country in the region without such a race. With this project, we are not only catching up with the region – we are showing that we have the capacity, the experts, and the resources to organize top-level international sporting events,” said Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Three Stages – Three Storieof Bosnia and Herzegovina
The first stage of the race starts in Sarajevo, with the cycling caravan passing through Konjic and Jablanica, and finishing in Mostara, – the jewel of Herzegovina. This stage symbolically connects the capital city with the pristine natural beauty of the Neretva Valley.
The second stage begins in Mostar, continues through Čapljina, and finishes in Ljubuški, a town known for its rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere.
The final, third stage starts in Ljubuški and goes through Stolac all the way to Neum – the only Bosnian-Herzegovinian town on the Adriatic Sea – symbolically ending the race at the open sea.
“We’ve already had the opportunity to speak with representatives of these cities, and all of them were thrilled with the idea of hosting the race. This gives us confidence that the entire event will be organized successfully,” added Zorić. Toni Zorić.
Podrška lokalnih zajednica i međunarodnih institucija
Initial meetings have already taken place with the mayors and municipal leaders of the host cities, all of whom expressed great enthusiasm and a willingness to cooperate. Cycling clubs from across the country have also shown unity and readiness to provide logistical and technical support for the project.
“Everything that promotes and integrates the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, everything that makes its resources visible, is something the Olympic Committee of BiH supports,” said Prof. Dr. Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“By organizing this top-level cycling event, we will create a platform where our young Olympic hopefuls and elite athletes will have the opportunity to improve and showcase their skills in a competitive international environment on home soil – and one day, present those same skills at the Olympic Games.
We support Cycling Federation President Toni Zorić and all future ideas of this kind. Alongside the official support of the Olympic Committee of BiH, we will strive to bring in financial backing from our partners to invest in this project. We will also call on the authorities from regions along the race route to recognize that investing in this project means investing in the promotion of their communities and the treasures they possess.”
The race already has strong support from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), as well as the European and Balkan Cycling Federations, with the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina serving as the principal organizer and coordinator of the event.
More Than Just Sport
The “Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina” is not only a sporting spectacle – it is a project with the potential to spark a wave of positive promotion for our country throughout Europe and the world. Countries like Albania – which, in addition to its own tour, is hosting a stage of the legendary Giro d’Italia this year – are clear examples of how cycling can contribute to tourism, economic growth, and a stronger international image.
““Our sports professionals have the experience and knowledge to organize events like this. It’s now up to our institutions to recognize the importance of this race and provide their support. Without it, we will not be able to deliver the project at the level Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves,” added Zorić.
This is an event where all of Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes one large sporting arena. This race is an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to tell its story – of natural beauty, cultural richness, the hospitality of its people, and sporting ambition that knows no bounds.
