At this year’s Electoral Assembly of the Balkan Cycling Union (BCU), which took place in Tirana, the capital of Albania, a decision of exceptional importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina was made.
After the extraordinary organization of the Balkan Mountain Biking Championship in 2024, Blidinje Nature Park was chosen again as the host of this prestigious competition in 2025. The decision is the result of the unanimous support of the members of the Union, as well as the high marks given to last year’s edition by the World Cycling Federation (UCI) and the participants themselves.
A great recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina
This success comes as a result of the continuous work and effort of the Bicycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote our country as an ideal destination for top cycling competitions. Toni Zoricpresident of the Association, emphasized that last year’s organization was crucial for gaining the trust of international institutions:
In 2024, we made a huge effort to provide a top-notch organization and present our country in the best possible light. The positive evaluations by the UCI, as well as the words of praise from the participants, confirm that we succeeded. It is up to us to be even better in 2025 and maintain the continuity of excellence, with the clear goal that in the future the Blidinje Nature Park will also host the European Championship.
Blidinje, in addition to offering spectacular nature and ideal conditions for mountain biking, is still one of the key places for the development of sports and tourism offers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organization of such events brings not only sporting successes, but also significant promotion of the region on the international stage.
Tirana – a symbol of cycling growth in the Balkans
This year, the BCU assembly was held in Tirana, a city that is currently in the focus of the world’s cycling public. This year, Albania will host three stages of the prestigious Giro d’Italia race, which has brought enormous media and tourist promotion to the country. It is precisely in this atmosphere of development and growth that the decision to trust Bosnia and Herzegovina as the host of the Balkan Championship took on special significance.
Toni Zorić – new member of the Board of Directors of the Balkan Cycling Union
In addition to Bosnia and Herzegovina once again receiving the organization of the Balkan Championship, our country is awaiting another great recognition. Toni Zoricpresident of the Cycling Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was elected to the Management Board of the Balkan Cycling Union. Zorić received the trust of 12 member countries, which recognized his contribution to the development of cycling not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also at the regional level.
It is a great honor and pleasure to be elected to the Management Board of the Balkan Cycling Union. This is another sign that we in Bosnia and Herzegovina we are doing a good job and going in the right direction. This trust is an additional responsibility, but also an opportunity to represent the interests of my country and our athletes even more strongly. I thank all member countries for the trust shown, and it is up to me to do my best to justify this trust, Zorić said.
Toni Zoric
He was elected president of the Balkan Cycling Union Emin Muftuoglu (Turkey) for four years.
The assembly in Tirana was attended by Enrico Della Casapresident of the European Cycling Federation, who expressed satisfaction with the work of the Balkan Cycling Union and its new leadership. In a post on the social networks of the European Cycling Federation, the commitment to further cooperation with the BCU was emphasized, with the belief that the Balkans has a bright future in the development of cycling.
The decisions made in Tirana confirm that Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the right track when it comes to the development of cycling. The organization of the Balkan Championship in the Blidinje Nature Park in 2025 is an opportunity not only for further promotion of cycling, but also for strengthening the tourism and sports reputation of our country. With appointment Toni Zorić in the Board of Directors of BCU, Bosnia and Herzegovina received a strong ambassador and advocate of the interests of BH athletes on the international stage.
With further work and effort, cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to become an example of successful sports development in the Balkans, it was announced.
(www.jabuka.tv)
