Pamporovo Bike Fest Concludes Another Spectacular Edition Amid Dramatic Weather Conditions

PAMPOROVO, Bulgaria – The Rhodope mountain resort of Pamporovo has wrapped up another highly successful edition of one of the largest and most exciting cycling events in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. Over the course of three days, Pamporovo Bike Park became the stage for thrilling competition, hosting the Bulgarian National Individual and Team Downhill Championships organized by the Bulgarian Cycling Federation, the second round of the Maxxis BG Downhill Series, and the third round of the Kids Downhill Series.

Held with the traditional support of Pamporovo Plc and the Municipality of Smolyan, the event attracted a record-breaking field of more than 220 riders from Bulgaria and abroad.

The opening two days of the festival were marked by warm, sunny weather and fast, dry, dusty trails. However, conditions changed dramatically on Sunday. Just as the final riders in the Kids Downhill Series were completing their runs, a powerful storm swept across the resort, bringing torrential rain and hail that transformed the course within minutes ahead of the elite finals.

The sudden weather change turned the track into an exceptionally slippery, unpredictable, and highly technical challenge, pushing competitors to their physical and mental limits. The extreme conditions even prompted several registered riders to withdraw from the finals rather than take unnecessary risks.

Before the storm unleashed its full force, the youngest competitors delivered an impressive display of talent and speed. In the 10–12 age category, Georgi Daskalov of Riders United claimed victory with a time of 2:40.6.

Competition was equally fierce in the 13–14 category, where Stoil Milanov of Riders United took the win in 2:30.1, ahead of Lazar Hadzhikolev of Hotalich and Ivelin Aleksandrov of Yantra Ispolin.

The highlight of the day came in the muddy and unpredictable Men's Elite final, where valuable UCI ranking points were at stake ahead of the upcoming European Downhill Championships on Vitosha Mountain.

Stamen Markov of Riders United was crowned Bulgaria's new National Downhill Champion after mastering the treacherous conditions to finish in 2:47.2. He was followed just three seconds later by Yordan Donev of Svobodno Izmerenie, while Roberto Vasilev of Black Sea Tsunami completed the podium.

In the women's category, Denitsa Tosheva of Riders United dominated the competition, securing victory in 3:48.1, ahead of Gergana Gospodinova and Anita Raycheva. Ivan Gavazov of Troyan Horse claimed the Under-19 title, while Kaloyan Dimov of Riders United emerged as the undisputed winner in the Under-17 category.

Riders United also topped the team standings, collecting an impressive seven medals in the National Championship and an additional ten across the series competitions.

Winners across the event's eight categories shared a cash prize fund and received awards provided by event partners Red Bull, Kärcher, Bike Center, and Doppelherz. Beyond the racing action, participants and visitors enjoyed a diverse entertainment program, including a bowling tournament at Perelik Hotel and an open-air party at Studenets Square.

Meanwhile, Pamporovo's summer season continues at full speed. Visitors can enjoy daily access to Pamporovo Bike Park, the lifts to Snezhanka Peak, the Yazovira Adventure Park, and the resort's signature attraction—a unique 360-degree alpine zipline over the water.

For more information about upcoming events and activities in Pamporovo, visit www.pamporovo.me.