The 12th edition of Pamporovo Bike Fest has officially begun
From July 17 to 19, Pamporovo welcomes one of the largest and most exciting mountain biking events in Bulgaria and the region – Pamporovo Bike Fest. The festival is being held for the 12th consecutive year with the support of Pamporovo PLC and the Municipality of Smolyan, bringing together hundreds of riders from across Bulgaria and abroad.
This year's programme features several major highlights, including the Bulgarian National Downhill Championship, organized by the Bulgarian Cycling Federation, the second round of the Maxxis BG Downhill Series, and the third round of the Kids Downhill Series.
In addition to the races, visitors to the resort can enjoy a variety of side events, including a bowling tournament on Friday evening at Hotel Perelik and an open-air party at Studenets Square starting at 6:00 PM on Saturday.
A record-breaking more than 200 riders have already registered for the event, making this year's edition one of the most competitive and exciting of the season.
Friday, July 17, is dedicated to practice sessions and course familiarization. Qualifying races will take place on Saturday, while Sunday marks the climax of the festival, with the children's finals starting at 11:00 AM and the elite finals beginning at 3:30 PM.
The competition in the 17–18 age group and the Elite Men category is expected to be especially intense, as the National Championship awards valuable UCI ranking points. Many of Bulgaria's top riders are competing to earn enough points to qualify for the upcoming European Downhill Championships, which Bulgaria will host on Vitosha Mountain from August 14 to 16.
Competitors are divided into eight categories, with winners competing for an attractive cash prize fund as well as prizes provided by the event's partners, including Red Bull, Kärcher, Bike Center, Doppelherz, and others.
Meanwhile, the summer season in Pamporovo is in full swing. Alongside its refreshing mountain climate, the resort offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. Pamporovo Bike Park and the chairlifts to Snezhanka Peak operate daily, as does the Yazovira Adventure Park. One of this summer's biggest attractions is the resort's unique 360-degree Alpine zipline over the water, offering an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.