On August 31 , under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria – Rosen Plevneliev started the International Cycling Tour of Bulgaria , which is held for the 63rd time . This year sponsor of the event is ” Aurubis Bulgaria” , as part of social policy of the enterprise.
Cycling Tour includes the following six phases:
The route stage covers the route Sofia – Zlatitza and has a length of 68 km .
Second route : Zlatitza – Pirdop – Klissura – Sopot – Karlovo – Kalofer – Kazanlak (115 km) .
Third route : Kazanlak – Shipka – Gabrovo – Drianovo – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbanasi – Upper Oriahovica – Helena (140 km) .
Fourth route : Elena – Tvardica – Sliven – Bourgas – Ajtos – Burgas (195 km) .
Fifth route : Burgas – Ajtos – Bourgas – Sliven – Republic – Hainobaz – Voneshta water – Tryavna ( 205km. )
Sixth stage : – Tryavna Gabrovo – Shipka – Kalofer – Karlovo – Sopot – Beklemeto – Trojan (170 km. ) – Final
The track is characterized by waved profile sections , which makes it quite difficult. The competition involves 23 teams. The Tour will be broadcast live on television channels. Participants must be accompanied by a police car and 8 motorists. The bulgarian participation in the cycling race will presented of teams of ” Vasil Levski ” – Sofia, “Hemus” – Trojan and Nessebar. Its expected before start of the race the confirmation by the team of “Khan Simeon ” Plovdiv. The other 20 teams are not bulgarian.
When choosing the following composition policy BKS (Bulgarian Cycling Union) to achieve category – “B1”, allowing the inclusion of the tour in live sports television . The organizers have provided documentary about the most successful Bulgarian cyclists – Nencho Christov , who died on June 24 this year It is the first three-time winner of the Tour 1958 – 1959 – 1960 . In his honor is dedicated to the first stage of the route Sofia – Zlatitza.