site.btaLong-time Cyclist Preserves Century-old Historic Jersey from First Tour of Bulgaria

The long-time cyclist and coach Georgi Dimitrov from Razgrad preserves a more than century-old yellow jersey from the first Tour of Bulgaria, held in 1924. The relic belonged to the first winner of the race, Georgi Abadzhiev.

Dimitrov, who is a former overall champion of Bulgaria from the late 1960s, told BTA that he received the jersey personally from Abadzhiev during an awards ceremony at the velodrome. According to him, the gesture symbolised continuity between generations in cycling. “He told me that he already had a worthy successor on the road,” he recalled.

Nowadays, Dimitrov continues to preserve the historic jersey with particular care. Although it is heavily worn by time, it has been kept in its original condition. “I thought about repairing it, but that would destroy its authenticity,” Dimitrov explained. According to him, various institutions, including from the capital, have shown interest in the jersey, but he refuses to part with it. “This is a relic for Razgrad and it must remain here,” he said firmly. The veteran added that he would donate the jersey to a museum if a suitable exhibition dedicated to the history of cycling were created.

Georgi Dimitrov’s career began in 1966. As a young enthusiast, he sought ways to watch track races, often jumping over the fence of the velodrome in Razgrad, the veteran said. Initially, he competed on the track and became part of the national team. Later, after winning the road title in Varna, he switched to road cycling under the guidance of coaches Nencho Hristov and Boyan Kotsev.

As early as 1967, Dimitrov recorded his first significant international success - a victory in a competition in Poland. This was also his first participation outside Bulgaria. In the following years, he competed in a number of countries, including the former GDR, where he also won distinctions. Among the most memorable moments of his career, the cyclist highlighted his victory in Leipzig, when the Bulgarian national anthem was played at the track.

During his active competitive career, which lasted around 15 years, Dimitrov won more than 70 medals. He then devoted himself to coaching, working at the Sports School in Razgrad for 13 years, and also became a coach of Bulgaria’s national track team. According to him, cycling has given him discipline, health and longevity. “I do not smoke, I do not drink, I am healthy and at 77 I continue to work. I do not feel my age,” Dimitrov said. He noted that he now rides a bicycle less frequently but continues to follow the development of cycling and support young competitors in Razgrad. According to him, there are talented boys in the city and a dedicated coach such as Miroslav Minchev. Dimitrov, however, expressed concern about the condition of the velodrome. “It used to be well maintained, with flowers and orderly stands, and now the seats are broken and there is a lack of care,” he commented. According to him, the lack of funding and sufficient attention to the sport is hindering the development of cycling. Dimitrov believes that for the rise of cycling in Razgrad to continue, investments in infrastructure, modern equipment and better training conditions are needed.

The Razgrad veteran believes that Bulgaria hosting a stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling tour is an event of exceptional importance and recognition for Bulgarian cycling. According to him, such events increase the country’s international prestige and provide additional impetus for the development of the sport. Dimitrov drew a parallel with his personal experience of participating in the relay of the Olympic flame ahead of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, when he was among the athletes who carried the flame on Bulgarian territory.

Georgi Dimitrov addressed a message to young competitors to train hard, without doping and harmful habits. His appeal to the institutions is for more active support so that cycling in Razgrad can continue to achieve success both on the track and on the road. “History must be remembered - the first winner of the Tour of Bulgaria, Georgi Abadzhiev, is a source of pride for Razgrad. It is our duty to preserve and develop this tradition,” Dimitrov added.