At a press conference held today, Predrag Markovic, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and chairman of the Honorary Governing Board of the International Bicycle Race Tour of Serbia 2005, underlined that many people did not know Serbia well enough. “Many people do not see Serbia well, and to see it, they need to visit it. The best way to do so is by bicycle. That is why the Tour of Serbia is the ideal opportunity to present our country in the best possible light”, Mr Markovic said. He added that he was very glad to be able to represent all the people of Serbia, as Chairman of the Assembly, as well as to help to organise the race in the same way as similar events are organised around the world. “Just as France has its Tour de France, and Italy its Giro d’Italia, so Serbia has its Tour of Serbia”, Markovic said. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the individual ministries, the National Bank of Serbia, and all other institutions that made this year’s event possible.

Bojan Dimitrijevic, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Services in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and chairman of the Steering Committee of the race, underlined that the International Bicycle Race Through Serbia aimed at enhancing the image of the country, as well as presenting its culture, sports, natural resources, as well as business. He greeted all enthusiasts who took part in this year’s race and supported it, and expressed special gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior, which made sure the race was safe for all the contestants.

Borivoje Ivkovic, head of Race Organisation, Aleksandar Milenkovic, Race Director, and Race Spokesman Ognjen Velic spoke about the organisation of the race, layout of the terrain, contestants, sponsors and media coverage of the race.