In April 2026, the global cycling map will gain a new and powerful name. Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina will see its first-ever edition start on Friday, April 17, when a caravan of professional teams sets off from Sarajeva, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, towards a spectacular finale on the Adriatic coast in Neumu.
One day earlier, on Thursday, April 16, Sarajevo will host teams from all over the world for official registrations and the race presentation at the premises of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by a ceremonial presentation of the race to high-ranking guests.
Huge international interest in the debut edition
Despite being a debut edition, interest in the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina has exceeded all expectations. The organizers confirm that all starting positions have been filled in accordance with UCI regulations, while as many as 72 professional teams from around the world expressed interest in participating. Interest continues to grow, with new applications and inquiries arriving daily.
The organizers are not yet disclosing the exact number of participating countries, noting that this information will be officially announced at the official race presentation on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 to be held in Mostar. What has been confirmed so far is that teams from all five continents, while earlier media statements mentioned participation from more than 35 countries worldwide.
Route overview: 390 kilometres, 4,400 metres of climbing
In its inaugural edition, the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina will consist of three stages, covering a total distance of 390 kilometres and 4,400 metres of elevation gain, connecting the country’s interior with its only access to the sea.
Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026 stages:
- Stage 1 | Sarajevo – Mostar | 148 km | 1,370 m elevation gain
- Stage 2 | Mostar – Ljubuški | 122 km | 1,406 m elevation gain
- Stage 3 | Ljubuški – Neum | 118 km | 1,676 m elevation gain
Stage 1 | Sarajevo – Mostar
148 km | Fast and spectacular stage
The opening stage is already being tipped as one of the potentially fastest stages on the international cycling calendar. Starting in Sarajevo, the peloton will ride along a motorway section to Bradina, before a fast and dynamic run through Konjica, where an intermediate sprint will award points and the i dodjela blue jersey to the fastest rider.
In Jablanici will award a King of the Mountains (KOM) climbpoints for the red jersey , before the race enters one of the most visually stunning sections of the route – the Neretva River canyon. Organizers estimate that the average speed of the stage could exceed 48 km/h, placing it among the fastest stages in professional cycling.
The finale takes place in Mostar, with three finishing laps through the city, where the stage winner and the first yellow jersey of the Tour. will be crowned in the city centre. Television coverage will be further enhanced by helicopter footage of Herzegovina’s natural landscapes, with a special focus on the Neretva Valley.
Stage 2 | Mostar – Ljubuški
122 km | A dynamic Herzegovina stage
Stage two takes the riders from Mostar along the M17 main road towards Čapljina, then further to Ljubuškom and Grudama, before returning to Ljubuški for the finish.
The attractive tourist destination Peć Mlini will host the KOM climb, while Grudama will feature an intermediate sprint for the blue jersey. Upon arrival in Ljubuški, the peloton will complete a city circuit, with the finish line in front of the municipal building deciding the winner of stage two and the new (or confirmed) holder yellow jersey of the Tour..
Stage 3 | Ljubuški – Neum
118 km | From UNESCO heritage to the Adriatic Sea
The final stage combines culture, history and spectacular scenery. Starting in Ljubuški, the route passes through local destinations and UNESCO-listed stećci medieval tombstone sites, before rejoining the motorway.
Visual highlights include aerial footage of the Kravica Waterfalls, as well as the peloton crossing the impressive Herzegovina Viaduct above the Neretva River. An intermediate sprint will be located in Stocu while the climb near the UNESCO site of Boljuni will decide the KOM winner and the holder of the red jersey.
The grand finale takes place in Neumu, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only access to the Adriatic Sea. Here, will be crowned owerall winner of the Tour Bosnia and Herzegovina and awarded the yellow jersey. Notably, many teams have already expressed their intention to stay in Neum for an additional 2–3 days for recovery and training before continuing their racing season.
A new race, a big ambition
From its very first edition, the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrates its ambition to become a recognizable international sporting and tourism event, combining elite cycling, breathtaking landscapes, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. From Olympic Sarajevo to the Adriatic coast of Neum, the route promises a true spectacle—both on and off the road.
