The 25th edition of Pannonian Challenge came to an end

Another successful Pannonian Challenge is behind us, and this year’s edition can boast a large number of registered competitors, especially in the BMX category, which once again showed the luxury of extreme sports.

“We are glad to have once again shown that Osijek is the right place for such sports competitions. Pannonian celebrated its 25th birthday this year, behind us several successful competitions, a large number of competitors, and an audience that shows every year how important support from the stands is. Thank you for being with us this year, but also thank you to all those who have been developing the Pannonian Challenge together with us for 25 years.” – said Jurica Barać, director of the festival.

As many as 122 competitors from all three categories rode through the skate park this year. More than 40 of them competed in the BMX category, which marked the two days of the competition. The total prize fund of the competition was 7,000 euros.

Friday at the Pannonian was reserved for competition in the skate and BMX categories, and the podiums in the skate category were; Martin Atanasov from Bulgaria as the winner and Hungarians Marcell Dessewffy as second and Zsolt Karkossiak as third.

“I am very happy for Pannonian and I am very happy to be in Osijek again. Croatia is great. I was here 2 years ago, loved it then, and love it even more now. I’m looking forward to next year.” – said Martin Atanasov after the award ceremony.

Saturday was reserved for competition in the inline and BMX categories, and the audience could enjoy the tricks of competitors from more than 20 countries. The first place in the INLINE category went to CJ Wellsmore from Australia, while the second place went to Jan Gašparić from Slovenia. Bronze in the INLINE category was won by Tin Hadžiomerspahić from Zagreb.

“I am very happy to be back in Croatia in Osijek. At this competition, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I am very happy to be in the first place because I recently had an injury and was not active for 9 months, but now I can finally compete.” – said CJ Wellsmore after the competition.

Pannonian closed the competition in the BMX category, which is important because competitors are making points to be able to ride the World Cup. Istvan Caillet from France won this category, while Zoltán Újváry took the second place. The third place in Saturday’s competition was won by Maxime Chalifour from Canada.

“This is my third time here. The first time I was for the World Cup, and the second and third time at the Pannonian Challenge. It is my pleasure to come to Osijek because I feel great here. Last time I won second place, and this year’s victory means a lot to me. Yes, of course, I will return to Osijek.”

The competitors in the BMX women’s category also did a great ride, and the victory was taken by Valeriia Liubimova from France. Second place was won by Noémi Molnár from Hungary, while third place went to Lucia Čajkova from Slovakia.

Amateur competitors also rode in the skate park, while the audience proudly cheered on the youngest competitors in the BMX category, in which Leon Chernovets from Varaždin won.

This year, Pannonian also focused on urban culture and a music program, so a graffiti jam was held on Saturday with a rich accompanying program of sponsors and partners, and musical partners took over the podium during the evening program. From Friday to Saturday, UMBO, Omer, DJ GIK, INSOLATE, Sly, Flegma, Pips, and Sheepatz were at the DJ desk.

The organizing team has no choice but to invite you to the next edition of the Pannonian Challenge, but before that, we all go to have a good rest.

See you again in Osijek at the skate park.