At an official press conference today, the Bulgarian Cycling Federation (BCF) and DZI - the company with the longest history on the Bulgarian insurance market - announced details about the 69th Cycling Tour of Bulgaria.

Within 5 days 120 cyclists in 20 teams from 3 continents and a total of 20 nationalities will travel more than 800 kilometers of versatile and rather difficult route throughout Bulgaria.

„I am happy that once again DZI is part of one of the cycling contests with longest history in Europe and in the world, which leaves a lasting trace in our sporting history. It is an honour for us to partner with the Bulgarian Cycling Federation (BCF) and we embrace the mission to popularize cycling, as this is not only a sport and a way of moving in the hasty urban environment, but also a way of life. I wish all contestants health, strength and zest to win. I am confident that once again the tour stages will run in the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship “, shared Kosta Cholakov, Chief Executive Officer of DZI.

„For the first time since years the contest will also be joined by a national team of Bulgaria. The record number of 128 teams expressed willingness to join this year’s race. The event is gaining more and more popularity and I am glad that once again we have DZI as our stable partner”, commented Dragomir Kuzov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Cycling Federation (BCF).

The start of the race will be given in Sofia city on 27 August at 04.00 PM in front of the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, where the leadership jersey holders will be nominated after a 1-kilometer prologue.

On 28 August during the first and longest stage, contestants will go through the 177-kilometer Sofia-Pazardzhik-Plovdiv route, while on the next day they will compete along the Graf Ignatievo-Karlovo-Troyan route, thus travelling 106 kilometers. The third day of the tour involves the biggest span of kilometers, as the route will be split into two half-stages: Stage 3А is 72 kilometers along the Troyan-Gabrovo route, while stage 3B comprises the Tryavna -Sliven (141 km) route with an interesting climbing from Byala towards the final in Sliven. Stage 4 is 144 km along the Sliven-Karnobat-Burgas route.

The stage that will mark the big final of the 69-th Tour of Bulgaria, will be on 1st September along the last segment (160 km) Chirpan-Haskovo-Momchilgrad. It is there that the Tour Winner and the Yellow Jersey Holder will become known.