Organizers of the cycling race Belgrade-Banja Luka sent the application to the International Cycling Federation (Union Cycliste Internationale-UCI) for the next edition of the race to be held in the first category.
This would mean that some of the world’s best teams will participate in the race, who are usually competing in races such as the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France or La Vuelta. Race Belgrade-Banja Luka has fulfilled all the requirements when it comes to organization, and the last edition that was completed on April 30, confirmed it once again. Commissioners of the UCI gave a positive assessment and agreed that the race passed the second category, which was confirmed by a member of the UCI, Ed Boucher.
“The race met all the conditions to progress to the elite rank, it would be a waste of time to stay at the same level for another year or two,” said Boucher.
In order for the race to be at the world level, they need twice as much money than before.
“Teams from the grand tour request about 10,000 BAM to come to the race. Those are the rules. On the other hand, the prize is much higher as well, so we need at least 60,000 BAM per day or 180,000 for a complete race. I think that it is not a lot of money due to the benefits that our country and host cities can get, but institutions must be more engaged in the organization,” said the director of the race, Vladimir Kuvalja.
(Source: ekapija.com)
