International support for the largest cycling project in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A working meeting was held at the premises of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina between the organizing team of the international cycling race Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ambassador of the Republic of France to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Françoisom Delmasom. The meeting was attended by Toni Zorić, Race Director and President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Branislav Stojkić, Executive Director of the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a constructive and highly positive atmosphere, the full vision of the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled to take place from 16 to 19 April 2026, along with the broader context of cycling and cycle tourism development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Enthusiasm for the project and the development of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During the meeting, Ambassador Delmas was introduced to numerous activities carried out in recent years to develop cycling and cycle tourism, with special emphasis on projects and initiatives implemented by the HerzegovinaBike association across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The development of themed cycling routes, international cycle tourism projects, destination promotion, and the connection between sport and tourism made a strong impression on the French Ambassador.
H.E. François Delmas expressed sincere enthusiasm for the level of organization, the strategic approach to the project, and the long-term vision for the development of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that such a project has not only sporting, but also tourist, cultural, and diplomatic significance.
French support for the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina
On this occasion, the French Ambassador clearly expressed his support for the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting his willingness to actively be part of this major sporting event for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. He also emphasized that France, as one of the world’s leading cycling nations, recognizes the value of projects that promote cycling, sustainable tourism, and international cooperation.
Particular attention was given to the topic of a potential direct airline connection during the period of the Tour, which would facilitate the arrival of a larger number of French citizens—passionate cyclists and cycling enthusiasts—who would stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina as tourists and follow the race.
Ambassador Delmas made himself available to the organizing team, stating that he would closely follow the further development of the project and that he would personally attend and be part of the organization during the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 16 to 19 April 2026.
The Race Director, Toni Zorić, thanked Ambassador Delmas for his openness, support, and interest, emphasizing that such international backing is a strong incentive for the entire project:
“The support of the French Ambassador is extremely important for the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It confirms that this project is recognized beyond the borders of our country and that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the potential to be a serious partner on the international cycling scene. This is additional motivation to raise the organization of the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the highest possible level and to connect with the organizers of the Tour de France, the world’s greatest cycling event.”
The meeting at the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents another important step in building a strong institutional and international framework around the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina project, which is already positioning itself as one of the most significant sporting events in the recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The organizing team continues intensive preparations with the goal that, in 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina will host a top-level international cycling spectacle, connecting sport, tourism, and international promotion of the country at the highest level.
