First professional international cycling race 'Tour of BiH' kicks off in Sarajevo

Over 170 professional cyclists from nearly 40 countries gathered at the start, and over three stages, they will cover approximately 390 kilometers through different parts of the country, from the capital to southern Herzegovina and the Adriatic Sea coast. The first stage runs from Sarajevo to Mostar, while the caravan will continue on Saturday along the Mostar–Capljina–Ljubuski route, finishing on Sunday with the stage from Ljubuški to Neum.

This is a major logistical project involving a large number of people, from judges and technical staff to police and medical support. During the race, the caravan is accompanied by official vehicles, motorcyclists, and a helicopter monitoring the movement of competitors and safety along the route.

Organizers emphasize that the race represents an important step for the development of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a strong promotion of the country as a tourist destination. The route passes through mountain landscapes, river canyons, and historic cities, and is expected to attract international attention to the country’s natural and cultural beauty.

"We should also use this race to change our image in the world, as people still think wars are being fought here and that this is an unsafe area for investment and tourism. We want to convince people that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with much to offer," said Said Fazlagic, Secretary General of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an official partner of the Tour of BiH.

Such an event also has broader significance, as it allows local cyclists to compete against professional teams from Europe and around the world without the need to travel to expensive international competitions. At the same time, the race serves as a powerful promotional tool for tourism, as it passes through numerous natural and cultural landmarks of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The route is designed to connect urban centers, mountainous areas, rivers, and historic cities, showcasing the country’s landscape diversity and its potential for developing sports and active tourism.