The names of the teams participating in the “Belgrade Banja Luka” race have been revealed: Kuvalja once again gathers the world’s elite.
With less than 90 days remaining until the 19th edition of one of the largest regional sports events, the international cycling race “Belgrade Banja Luka,” the race organizers have completed the list of participating teams.
The Glas Srpske was informed that all 25 teams set to compete on the roads of Serbia and Republika Srpska from April 22 to 26 have been confirmed. These teams will race for points and a chance to secure an Olympic spot for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Fans along the entire route are sure to cheer passionately for the national teams of Serbia and Republika Srpska. However, among the top favorites are the Spanish team Arabay, and the Italian squads Porto Sant’Elpidio and Team MG.
Additionally, the debuting team Sabgal/Anicolor from Portugal is expected to contend for the top spots, thanks to their high-quality individual riders.
Race director Vladimir Kuvalja revealed in an interview that the list of participants was finalized as early as the end of last year.
- “I’m proud that by December we had a fully completed list of participating teams. There were many more applications than the 25 teams allowed under the rules. Once again, we have teams and cyclists coming from all continents, which speaks to the race’s high rating. It remains a media attraction worldwide. This year’s favorites will likely include Italian, Czech, and Slovenian cyclists. My team works daily to make this race better each year, and the result is reflected in the caliber of teams participating. The fact that the race serves as a qualifier for the Los Angeles Olympics makes it highly appealing to the world’s best cyclists. Unlike the earlier years when the race was more suited for sprinters, the last few editions have favored riders skilled in mountainous terrains,” said Kuvalja.
New name and promotion
Kuvalja also announced that the race would undergo a name change, with the official launch scheduled for February.
- “The race is still officially called ‘Belgrade Banja Luka,’ but we are definitely changing the name to ‘Race through Serbia and Republika Srpska.’ The official announcement and promotion will take place in early February. We are working intensively on this,” Kuvalja noted.
Cities on the route
A significant number of cities have applied to be part of this year’s “Belgrade Banja Luka” race. Negotiations are ongoing with all applicants.
Confirmed cities on the race route so far include Bratunac, Vlasenica, Rudo, Šekovići, Doboj, Obrenovac, and Požarevac, where a circuit race will kick off the event.
Source: Glas Srpske
