This weekend, Blidinje was once again the scene of cycling, attracting many outdoor sports enthusiasts, hundreds of cyclists and numerous families to the fifth Blidinje BIKE Festival in the Nature Park.
As the organizers announced, what fascinated them the most at this three-day event was that a little vision and joint work can create a lot of goodwill and positive experience.
The event started with educational workshops for the youngest, while the next day a recreational ride was held on the “Ajduka Trail” through some of the most beautiful parts of Blidinje.
“The recreational cycling event “Ajduka Trail” has once again gathered that category of cyclists who simply like to feast, enjoy good company and get to know new places by cycling. However, this year, in addition to the tourist tour of Blidinje, we offered our guests something new, a tasting of Blidinje delicacies,” said organizer Toni Zorić.
Sunday was marked by the professional race “XCM Herzegovina 2023” which attracted athletes and professional cyclists from the countries of the region to test their strength on the trails of Blidinje. There were two courses on offer: a small marathon of 36 kilometers and a large marathon of 58 kilometers reserved for elite cyclists and those who feel like it.
The fastest among them was Ivan Soldo from Široki (BK Široki), who covered the 58-kilometer track in 2 hours and 40 minutes. He is followed by Marko Ćirjaković (BK Gannicus) from Serbia with a time of 2 hours and 42 minutes, and Goran Cerović (BK Pljevlja) from Montenegro with a time of 2 hours and 43 minutes.
Among the ladies who drove the 36-kilometer mini-marathon course, the fastest was Hena Šabanić (BK Puls) with a time of 2 hours and 43 minutes. Second place went to Sara Srabović (BBK Daj Krug) with a time of 2 hours and 57 minutes, while Nina Vidović (BK Tempo) rounded the podium with a time of 3 hours and 08 minutes.
The young Emel Ljubuškić (BK Power Plus) from Sarajevo shined in the men’s competition who drove the short marathon course with a time of 1 hour and 47 minutes. Filip Džido (BK Tempo) took second place three minutes behind, while third place went to Ivan Vukadin with a time of 1 hour 51 minutes.
Blidinje BIKE Festival promotes sports, a healthy lifestyle and the tourist offer of Blidinje.
This biggest cycling festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina is organized by the Association “HerzegovinaBike” in cooperation with the Cycling Club Mostar, the Association Herzegovina Outdoor, the Cycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sports Association of the City of Mostar and Visit Blidinje.
