“Danube by bike” organised by the European Commission

The realization of the project “Danube by bike” is ongoing and it has been organised by the European Commission, DG Enlargement. The Office for European Affairs is also participating in it. Cyclists across Europe, from the member states of the EU, Balkan states and Turkey have been invited to take part in the sporting event held from 23rd to 27th June 2009. “The cycling tour goes through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria to Romania, and it is expected that around 400 cyclists will participate, regardless of their previous cycling experience. This sporting event is a good example of support for integration and dialogue between people, as well as for awareness raising of the common future of the South East European countries. In such a European environment the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and the Republic of Serbia can clearly see their future”, said Predrag Novikov, Director of the Office for European Affairs.

There are two tours:

Tour 1: started from Budapest on 23 June, enters Croatia via the Danube-Drava National Park, where it goes through Osijek and Vukovar. On 26 June the tour enters Serbia at Ilok and they are expected to arrive to Novi Sad in the afternoon of the same day. On 27 June the tour continues towards Sremski Karlovci and continues to Belgrade, where there will be a special event at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube.

Tour 2: started from Bucharest on 23 June, continues to Bulgaria and goes towards Serbia via Vidin. The tour goes through Donji Milanovac, Veliko Gradište and the Silver Lake to Belgrade.

We are inviting all interested citizens to come and greet the cyclists along the cycle route. The departure from Novi Sad to Sremski Karlovci is planned for Saturday, 27 June at 8.30 in front of Hotel Duga (Ćirila i Metodija street No. 11).