Blidinje Bike Festival

Blidinje BIKE Festival, the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is here!

Clock your pace over two killer stages, cruise through dreamy routes, and indulge in local delicacies – making the XCM Herzegovina race like no other! Will it be the 84 km route with 1,960 meters of elevation or the 53 km trail with 955 meters? You’re not the type for races, high pace, and constant pressure. You prefer a leisurely ride with friends, easy cycling while exploring destinations, and tasting local delicacies. Whichever you choose, an exhilarating event awaits!

The association “HerzegovinaBike,” in collaboration with the Mostar Cycling Club, the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Visit Blidinje, is once again organizing the largest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Blidinje BIKE Festival. According to the organizers, this cohesion and collaboration between various associations and institutions contribute to a high-quality event organization, receiving top ratings for the fifth consecutive year.

In the middle of the season, when the heat is at its peak, the cycling scene heads to the mountains to test their skills at the Blidinje BIKE Festival, traditionally held in the last week of July. Three days of events in the Blidinje Nature Park focus on mountain biking, recreation, educational workshops, entertainment, and much more. Hundreds of visitors are expected, with the highlight being the MTB Marathon UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the XCM Balkan Championship, where professional cyclists from 20 countries will compete. Additionally, there is an exciting accompanying program, including activities for the youngest bikers on the trail, family gatherings, and a party on Saturday starting at 6:00 PM, rounding out the festival weekend with a sense of fulfillment.

The Blidinje BIKE Festival traditionally starts the last week of July, and this year is no exception. Over three days of events, from Friday to Sunday, numerous visitors will have access to an exciting program. This year, the entire three-day program will be centered around cycling, including recreational rides, education for young bikers, family-friendly gatherings, and the action of professionals participating in the MTB marathon UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina, as well as the Balkan Championship featuring National Teams from 12 countries. Recreational visitors can look forward to a new bike ride route, which includes exploring famous Blidinje destinations, cycling around the lake, and visiting two renowned hospitality venues with a taste of local dishes.

And for the professionals, a special challenge awaits on the spectacular marathon track!

For the first time at the Blidinje Bike Festival, dive into the thrilling XCM Herzegovina race – which this year holds the UCI Class 1 ranking and includes the Balkan Championship race – and immerse yourself in pure Herzegovinian vibes and genuine natural wonders. We’re gearing up for about 200 participants ready to choose their challenge. Pedal between the mountains Vran and Čvrsnica, and past the serene Blidinje lake and quaint picturesque villages. And here’s the cherry on top for this race: ditch the usual pit stops! At several parts of the trail, a gourmet refreshment stand packed with refreshments awaits. Revel in our shared passion for biking! Enjoy our common passion for cycling!

PROGRAM:
Friday; July 12, 2024:

The program kicks off on Friday with the opening of the race and team office, where National Teams, teams, and participants can pick up their race packages, check into accommodation, and start exploring and getting to know Blidinje Nature Park. This is followed by a Gala dinner for sponsors and project friends, as well as a project presentation to all participants during the Gala dinner. It is important to mention that the entire team involved in organizing the project will already be on Blidinje from Friday, preparing everything for the next two days.

Saturday; July 13, 2024:

Saturday traditionally gathers cyclists around the recreational bike ride “Trail of the Hajduk,” including the youngest participants of this event, namely entire families who enjoy a well-organized program during the weekend in the Blidinje Nature Park. The recreational bike ride in this year will undergo slight changes in the trail, and besides the usual visit to famous Blidinje destinations and a ride around the lake, we have added a visit to two renowned catering establishments with a tasting of local dishes: Hajdučke vrleti Blidinje and restaurant Risovac will prepare an outdoor buffet with local Blidinje delicacies for all participants. Right after the bike ride, a presentation of National Teams participating in the Balkan Championship will take place in front of the Blidinje SKI center. The day will conclude with a DJ party and cocktail event at the Staza restaurant starting at 6:00 PM.

Sunday; July 14, 2024:

Sunday is marked by the professional MTB race UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the Balkan Championship, but we must not forget the “XCM Herzegovina” race, which is ridden on the short trail and is once again scored for the Premier League of BiH. Blidinje BIKE Festival will gather the best mountain bikers from 20 countries this year as well. Two routes are available to event participants:

UCI C1 XCM Herzegovina and the Balkan Championship (for Elite and Masters categories): This race is on the long trail, covering a distance of 84 km with a 1,960 meters ascent.
XCM Herzegovina: This race is on the short trail, covering a distance of 52 km with a 950 meters ascent.
One thing is for sure – both trails will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of Blidinje.

These are just some of the juiciest news from the Bike Festival 2024. For all information, feel free to explore our web page where you will find all the details and the entire program. And now, you just need to start cycling with your imagination. The long-awaited cycling event in Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon become a reality in the Blidinje Nature Park!

More info here: https://bbf.ba/en/o-nama/