Thirty-three cyclists from Austria, the Republic of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully completed the 13th Friendship Cycling Caravan Mostar – Vukovar, which this year, under the patronage of the President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mrs. Lidije Bradara, sent a powerful message of peace, friendship, and shared remembrance of the victims of the Homeland War.
Over the course of several days and more than 400 kilometers, the caravan connected cities and municipalities that have supported this project for years – Mostar, Kiseljak, Žepče, Županja, and finally, Vukovar. In each of these locations, the participants were welcomed warmly, and candles were lit and flowers laid in honor of the fallen defenders.
A ceremonial welcome was held at the traditional location in Vukovar – Adica – where the caravan was greeted by Mayor Ivan Penava and numerous citizens. Mayor Penava thanked the participants for coming and emphasized the special symbolism and significance the caravan holds for Vukovar, as it preserves the memory of difficult moments from the past while also building bridges for a better future.
„This caravan is not just a cycling event; it is a symbol of unity, connection, and lasting friendship between our towns and peoples. I am proud that Vukovar has been the gathering place for these exceptional individuals for the thirteenth year," said Mayor Penava.
Upon arrival in Vukovar, all participants visited Ovčara, the Memorial Cemetery, and Trpinjska Road, where they paid tribute to the victims by lighting candles and laying flowers. The final event of this year’s caravan was the participation of all cyclists on May 2nd in the commemoration in Borovo Selo, marking the anniversary of the death of 12 Croatian police officers. Their presence at this event symbolically marked the official end of the 13th Friendship Cycling Caravan Mostar – Vukovar.
„This year again, filled with emotion and gratitude, we completed our mission – to connect Mostar and Vukovar not only by kilometers, but with heart, remembrance, and respect. We’ve lasted thirteen years thanks to willpower and unity, and we believe many more years of genuine friendship lie ahead," said Toni Zorić, organizer of the caravan and president of the HerzegovinaBike association.
The 13th Friendship Cycling Caravan Mostar – Vukovar once again proved that borders do not exist when it comes to shared values and remembering those who gave everything for the freedom we enjoy today. The participants have returned safely to their homes, carrying yet another unforgettable memory that, as before, will stay with them until the next encounter.
The organizers thank all friends and sponsors of the Friendship Cycling Caravan Mostar – Vukovar for their continued support and commitment to fostering friendship between the towns and municipalities along the route. These include: Predsjednica Federacije BiH, gđa Lidija Bradara, Škoda Apolo Mostar, Telemach BH d.o.o. Sarajevo, Keš d.o.o., OIL-AC d.o.o. Mostar, Restoran konoba Goranci, Udruga HVIDRA, HercegovinaVino, Lasta and pčelarstvo Krešić, and of course the cities of Mostar, Županja, Vukovar and the municipalities of Kiseljak and Žepče.
