Blidinje confirms its status as a European MTB destination!

(Patria) - Blidinje Nature Park, a gem of nature and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from July 11 to 13, 2025, hosted one of the most important cycling events in the region – the 7th edition of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival.

The festival brought together athletes and nature lovers from all over the world, once again confirming that a local initiative can grow into a global story. Within the festival, the UCI Class 1 XCM Herzegovina marathon was held, which also held the status of the Balkan Championship, and the titles of the best were taken by competitors from Romania – Atilla Malnasi in the men's Elite category and Manuela Muresan in the women's competition. Riders from more than 15 countries, including those from distant Canada and New Zealand, competed on an extremely difficult and attractive track through Blidinje Nature Park. Among the local cyclists, Vedad Karić once again proved his quality by winning second place, while third place went to Coen Nicol from New Zealand. Last year's winner Ivan Soldo finished fourth this year.



The atmosphere at the festival was extraordinary – participants described the event as one of the best in the region and the best cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

More than races – recreational cycling and destination promotion On Saturday, a recreational cycling event was held, with over 100 participants. Cyclists explored the natural beauty of Blidinje at a leisurely pace, led by trained cycle tourism guides, and through cooperation with partners Hajdučke Vrleti Blidinje and Motel Risovac, they enjoyed tasting authentic local food.

Educational step forward – UCI coaching camp



This year, the festival also opened a new chapter through education: a UCI Level 2 coaching camp, organized in cooperation with the Olympic Committee of BiH and the International Cycling Union (UCI) immediately before the festival. Coaches from all over the region participated in the camp, and the training was 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 showed the strength and potential of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thousands of families visited the Blidinje BIKE Festival to enjoy sports, nature, and togetherness. Our guests are going home with wonderful memories and photos that convey the most beautiful images of our country and Blidinje Nature Park,” said Toni Zorić, president of the Cycling Federation of BiH.