Today, 22.06.2021, the Bulgarian Cycling Federation (BCF) and DZI announced the start of the 68th International Cycling Tour of Bulgaria (ICTB) – one of the most popular contests, gathering renowned athletes from all over the world. The race returns for another year in a row, again with DZI as general sponsor – the company with the longest history and experience on the Bulgarian insurance market.

„I want to congratulate all of you with this cycling holiday, because that’s the way I perceive the holding of the Tour of Bulgaria. There is huge interest towards this race, both on the part of Bulgarian teams, as well as from abroad, of which I cannot but be delighted. In DZI we have found a partner, supporting us and facilitating the Federation’s overall functioning”, commented Mr. Dragomir Kuzov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Cycling Federation (BCF).

„DZI traditionally supports cycling and I am happy that despite the difficulties over the past months, the Federation has organized multiple race kickoffs, thus supporting the preparation of cyclists and coaches for the most important contest of the year.

Bicycles represent not only the modern person’s eco-friendly, cost-efficient and healthy way of moving, but also a pleasant relaxation alternative. I believe that all of us together – businesses, responsible institutions and the media, can motivate more people to use bicycles. Our joint efforts in that direction prove successful and this year the results are a fact - more contestants, a longer and more difficult route“, shared Kosta Cholakov, Management Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DZI.

The prologue will be on the 30 June at 06:00 PM in Sofia city, in front of the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. Within 5 stages cyclists will go through 7 milestone towns in Bulgaria and will travel over 800 kilometers.

The official start of the race will be given on 01 July on the National Assembly Square in Sofia city at 12.15 PM, after which cyclists will depart for the first stage - along the Sofia – Plovdiv route - with length of 178 km. The finish point in Plovdiv town is anticipated to be reached at around 04.45 PM in front of Sankt Peterburg Hotel.

The second stage - Plovdiv – Troyan route - has a length of 113 km and will start in front of the building of the International Fair at 01:15 PM on 2 July. The finish point in front of the building of Troyan Municipality is anticipated to be reached at around 04:15 PM.

The third stage - Troyan – Sliven route - is of 180 km and will start in front of the Troyan Municipality building at 12.00 PM, as the finish point in Sliven town in front of the municipality building is anticipated to be reached at around 04.30 PM.

The fourth stage - Sliven – Burgas - is with length of 108 km, as the start will be given at 02.00 PM in front of the building of Sliven Municipality, while the finish point in Burgas town in front of the municipality building is anticipated to be reached at around 04.30 PM.

The last fifth stage - Karnobat – Gabrovo route - is with length of 188 km. The start is planned for 11.45 AM in front of the building of Karnobat Municipality, while the finish point in Gabrovo town on Vazrazhdane Square is anticipated to be reached at around 04.30 PM on 5 July 2021.

The 68th International Cycling Tour of Bulgaria will involve 25 teams, respectively from Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, the Ukraine, Hungary, Denmark, Germany, the USA, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, France and Romania.

For the first time in the Tour history all stages can be watched live HERE.