Kosovo is ready to host the Balkan Cycling Championships, which will take place from June 5 to 7 in Ferizaj. Organizers have confirmed the participation of ten countries and describe the event as an important sporting and diplomatic success for the country.
The President of the Kosovo Cycling Federation, Avni Nuha, said that preparations have been completed and that competitors will be welcomed under good organizational and security conditions.
Speaking about the importance of international participation, Nuha stressed that four countries that still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence will also take part in the competition.
“Today we are ready and fully prepared. I would like to thank the Kosovo Police and the Kosovo Security Force for taking responsibility, even though, unfortunately, we have parliamentary elections. However, this date was set earlier and we had no possibility of changing it. I welcome all teams, and among the teams participating in this caravan are four countries that have not recognized us as a state. It is truly an honor and privilege for Kosovo that they are taking part and honoring our country. They have confirmed their arrival and will come with quite large teams, and they may even be among the main contenders for medals in Kosovo,” Nuha said.
He also spoke about countries that, despite supporting Kosovo’s bid to host the championship, will not take part in the competition.
“There will be ten countries. Unfortunately, in Istanbul, both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for us. Twelve countries supported us, but their politics are what they are, and they have not been able to come. Unfortunately, Bosnia and Herzegovina has also been affected by this situation,” Nuha said.
According to him, organizing the championship was accompanied by challenges and efforts to prevent the event from taking place, but in the end, the participation of the countries was confirmed.
At the event, Ivor Rilovic, the representative sent by the World Cycling Federation, will be responsible for overseeing the start and finish timing of the competitors.
