Memorandum of Cooperation for the "Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina" Signed in Mostar
Hotel Mostar served as the epicenter of sporting and diplomatic events in Bosnia and Herzegovina today. At a formal press conference gathering prime ministers, mayors, leading business figures, and representatives of sports institutions, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed for the first international cycling race, the „Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026“.
This strategically significant project, included in the official calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), represents a turning point for domestic sports and tourism. It unites local communities from Sarajevo to Neum in a shared mission to promote the potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Writing the First Pages of History" Race Director, Toni Zorić, expressed deep gratitude to the partners who recognized the vision of a project that puts the country on the map of world-class cycling.
"It is an honor that we will join forces to write the first pages of this event's history. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land of incredible contrasts, rich history, and untouched nature, and we have prepared a stage worthy of the world’s best riders coming to us from 38 countries across five continents,"Zorić pointed out.
He emphasized that the three-day route combines symbolism with a sporting challenge: "Starting from Sarajevo, our capital and a symbol of the meeting of cultures, we will compete all the way to the pearl of the Adriatic coast, the city of Neum. Our goal is not only to organize a sporting and tourist event but to create a lasting partnership and tradition that will promote healthy living, sportsmanship, and the natural wealth of our country to the entire world".
Strategic Support from the Olympic Committee and Experts As a special partner of the race, the President of the Olympic Committee of BiH, Izet Rađo, attended the conference, representing an institution that provides full support for the development of this project as a key element in strengthening the state's sporting identity. Sport's Director of the Race, Amar Njemčević, provided an overview of the technical segment, the quality of the teams, and the demanding nature of the route, confirming that the interest from international teams has exceeded all expectations.
“For BiH, this race has an even deeper meaning—it opens space for young people to dream, for athletes to establish themselves on home soil, and for local communities to be part of a positive, connected, and recognizable story. With its unique energy as a meeting point of different cultures, BiH is a natural host and a powerful message of what this race aspires to be," stated Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of BiH.
“Lejla and I have had the opportunity to travel the whole world, competing and performing at the biggest races, often watching world tours as spectators. Although we were always excited, there was always a sense of regret that we didn't have such an event in BiH. To our great happiness and joy, that moment has finally arrived, and we cannot wait for April 2026," stated Amar Njemčević, the Tour’s Sports Director.
Unity of Cities and Patrons The highlight of the conference was the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with representatives of the cantons, cities, and municipalities through which the race passes, as well as with key sponsors. This act confirmed that the "Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina" is not just a cycling race, but a platform for strengthening cooperation between local communities and a national project that will send an image of a modern, active, and hospitable Bosnia and Herzegovina to the world.
The race starts on April 17, 2026, in Sarajevo. Over three days of top-tier competition, the caravan will pass through Mostar and Ljubuški, reaching the final finish line in Neum on April 19.
For more information on the stages, teams, and schedule, visit the official website: www.tourbih.ba
