site.btaBansko Mayor: Resort Wants to Establish Itself as Leading Cycling Destination

Bansko is expected to establish itself as one of the leading cycling destinations in the Balkans over the next two to three years, Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski told BTA on Friday.

Mountain biking has grown rapidly in recent decades, prompting resorts to invest in bike parks, trails, and cycling tourism, Banenski noted, adding that the town aims to strengthen its reputation not only as a host of world-class winter sports events, but also as a venue for major international cycling competitions and festivals.

"Bansko already offers extensive cycling infrastructure, including urban riding paths, a popular pump track for children, and Bike Park Bansko with more than 25 downhill, flow, and beginner trails, lift access, bike rentals, and service facilities", the mayor emphaszed. He also pointed out that the Pirin mountain network is especially attractive, with over 200 km of marked MTB, downhill, and cross-country routes used by both independent riders and guided groups.

The mayor said that an expansion of the cycling routes is planned and a new cycle path is currently being built between Bansko and Razlog with a length of about 3.6 km. The route will be two-way and will connect the resort areas of the two municipalities, passing near the golf complex. Among the main projects of the Municipality is the construction of a bicycle path between Bansko and Dobrinishte with a total length of about 14 km, with part of the route to also provide access to the Sveti Nikola archeological complex. The project is in the process of implementation and is part of the Municipality's broader strategy for the development of tourism and improving transport connectivity in the region.