Today, at a press conference in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the official announcement was made regarding the organization of the first edition of the international cycling race “Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” a sporting event that will position Bosnia and Herzegovina on the map of major global cycling competitions.

The race will be held in three stages, with its route symbolically connecting key regions and destinations of our country — from Sarajevo, through Herzegovina, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. This event unites sport, tourism, culture, and the promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural beauties.

“This is a historic moment for our country. I am glad because, upon my appointment as president, I promised that Bosnia and Herzegovina would have its own big Tour, and currently we are the only country in the region that still does not have one. Through this project, we not only reach the region but also demonstrate that we have the capacity, skilled people, and resources to organize top international sporting events,” said Toni Zorić, president of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cycling Federation.

Three stages — three stories about Bosnia and Herzegovina

The first stage begins in Sarajevo, with the cycling caravan passing through Konjic and Jablanica, all the way to Mostar, where the first stage will end. This segment symbolically connects the capital with the pearl of Herzegovina, riding through the untouched natural beauty of the Neretva valley.

The second stage starts in Mostar, passes through Čapljina, and concludes in Ljubuški, a city rich in cultural heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere. The final, third stage begins in Ljubuški and takes the route through Stoc to Neum, the only Bosnian city on the Adriatic Sea, symbolically ending with an exit to open sea.

“We had the opportunity recently to talk with representatives of the mentioned cities, and all were thrilled with the idea of organizing the race through their towns. That gives us confidence that the entire event will be superbly organized,” said Branislav Stojkić.

Support from local communities and international institutions

Initial meetings have already been held with mayors and municipal leaders of the host cities, who enthusiastically supported the initiative and expressed readiness for cooperation. The enthusiasm and unity on the ground have also been demonstrated by cycling clubs from across the country, who identify with the project and are ready to provide logistical and technical support.

The Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina supports everything that promotes and promotes Bosnia and Herzegovina, making its resources visible, said the president of the OK BiH, academic Prof. Dr. Izet Rađo.

“Organizing this top-level cycling competition will give us a platform where our young Olympic hopes and top athletes will have the opportunity to improve and enhance their cycling skills on home terrain and in an international environment, so they can someday showcase those skills at the Olympic Games.

We support the president of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cycling Federation, Toni Zorić, and all such ideas that will be realized in the future. We will, besides the OK BiH emblem, try to secure part of the funding from our partners, which we will invest in this project. We will also invite responsible authorities from the regions along the race route to understand that investing in this project is an investment in the promotion of their communities and the riches they possess.”

The race has already received the official approval of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and strong support from the European and Balkan Cycling Federations, while our umbrella organization, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cycling Federation, remains an integral link in this event.

More Than Sport

“Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina” will not be just a sporting spectacle — it is a project with the potential to trigger a wave of positive promotion of our country across Europe and the world. Examples like Albania, which this year is organizing a stage of the legendary Giro d’Italia alongside its own Tour, demonstrate how cycling can contribute to the development of tourism, economy, and international perception of the country. Our sports professionals have the knowledge and experience to organize such events. Now, it’s up to the institutions to recognize the importance of this event and support it, because without their backing, this project cannot be realized to the level that Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves,” added Zorić.

This is an event where all of Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a large sports arena. This race is an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to tell its story — about natural beauty, cultural richness, hospitality, and an athletic ambition that knows no borders.