Blidinje confirms its status as a top European MTB destination!
Blidinje Nature Park, a gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina's natural and cultural heritage, from July 11th to 13th, 2025, hosted one of the region’s most significant cycling events – the 7th edition of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival. The festival brought together athletes and nature lovers from around the world, once again proving that a local initiative can grow into a global story.
As part of the festival UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina maraton, was held, which also served as Balkan Championship,and top honors went to riders from Romania – Atilla Malnasi in the men’s Elite category and Manuela Muresan in the women’s category.
On a demanding and scenic route through Blidinje Nature Park, riders from more than 15 countries took part, including competitors from as far as Canada and New Zeland. Among domestic riders, Vedad Karić once again showcased his class by securing second place, while the third place wnet to Coen Nicol from New Zealand. Last year's winner Ivan Soldo came in fourth this year.
The atmosphere at the festival was exceptional – participants described it as one of the best events in the region and the premier cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More Than Racing – Recreational Ride and Destination Promotion
On Saturday, a recreational cycling tour was held with over 100 participants. Guided by trained cycle tourism guides, cyclists explored the natural beauty of Blidinje at a relaxed pace. In cooperation with partners Hajdučke Vrleti Blidinje and Motel Risovac, they enjoyed a tasting of authentic local cuisine.
Educational Breakthrough – UCI Coaching Camp
This year, the festival opened a new chapter in education with the UCI Level 2 Coaching Camp, organized in partnership with the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Held just before the festival, the camp gathered cycling coaches from across the region, with training sessions led by certified experts from the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland.
“We are extremely happy and proud of this year’s organization, which once again demonstrated the strength and potential of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thousands of families visited the Blidinje BIKE Festival to enjoy sports, nature, and a sense of community. Our guests are returning home with wonderful memories and photos that showcase the most beautiful images of our country and the Blidinje Nature Park” said Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thanks to Partners and Sponsors
The festival organizers express sincere gratitude to the many partners, sponsors, and institutions that supported the event. Key supporters include:
General Patron – Continental
Special Partners: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidija Bradara, Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Gold Sponsor: Oakley Store Sarajevo
Silver Sponsor: HT Eronet
Bronze Sponsor: Apolo Škoda
Institutional SupportFederal Ministry of Culture and Sports, Government of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Government of West Herzegovina Canton, Government of Canton 10, City of Mostar, City of Ljubuški, Municipality of Posušje, Herzegovina-Neretva Tourism Board, Sports Association of the City of Mostar.
Sponsors and festival friendsVoda Leda, Lasta, Posuško Lito, Visit Blidinje, Blidinje Nature Park, Hajdučke Vrleti Blidinje, Restaurant Staza, Restaurant Risovac, Capriolo, M-Bike Shop, Dubrovnik Bike and Adventure Shop, and many others.
Cycling, nature, community – all this makes the Blidinje BIKE Festival more than just a sporting event. See you next year at Blidinje – where pedals power emotions!
