Author: Nenad Ivkov, System Engineer, STADA GIS Serbia

Interview with Nenad, one of the founders of the Hemofarm Foundation Cycling Club

When and why did you start cycling?

Cycling is more than a sport to me – it is part of my identity, something that has been with me for almost my entire life. It all started in childhood, quite spontaneously – spending time on the street with friends and taking those first rides out of town. I remember as if it were yesterday the moment I first got on my road bike. It was a racing model, something rarely seen at the time, about thirty years ago. For a boy from the neighborhood, it was a real sensation. That bike taught me to love freedom, movement, and the feeling of wind in my face.

What does cycling mean to you today? How does it affect your health, mood, and everyday life?

Later, I got a more modern road bike, which I still ride today. For years, it has been my loyal companion on longer routes, recreational rides, and those rides that help me unwind after a stressful day. However, the past four years have brought a new dimension – mountain biking (MTB). It is no longer just a ride; it is an experience. Leaving the asphalt behind and heading into nature, through forests and along trails you don't know where they lead– every ride is an adventure. The silence of nature, the sound of tires on dirt paths, and a mind that completely switches off. Beyond cycling itself, spending time in nature is also very important to me. When I am not on two wheels, I enjoy getting lost in the silence of the Vršac Hills. Movement is a daily necessity for me – on two wheels or on two feet. For everyday errands around town, I rely on a trekking bike. I cycle to work whenever the weather allows. Grocery shopping, daily tasks – everything I can do without a car, I do on two wheels. Honestly, it is often faster by bike than by car. By the time I open and close gates and find a parking spot, half the job is already done. In this way, I help protect nature and contribute to a healthier environment while keeping my body active every day. Riding the legendary Transfăgărășan road in Romania was something I had dreamed about for years, and it left the strongest impression on my cycling journey. Besides the incredible physical challenge of the constant climb, the scenery is breathtaking and gives you the motivation to keep going all the way to the top and Lake Bâlea. Once you reach the summit, the feeling is incredible.I proved to myself that I could do it.

Why would you recommend cycling as a sport and a way of life?

It was precisely this love for cycling and a healthy lifestyle that inspired the creation of our Cycling Club within the company under the slogan Your Health. Your Ride. I am proud to be one of its founders and to have the opportunity, through group rides and activities, to encourage colleagues to get moving – for their health, for better balance, and for themselves. I have also managed to pass my love of cycling on to my children, which is especially important to me. There is no better feeling than riding together, sharing experiences, and creating memories that do not involve screens but instead revolve around nature, movement, and smiles.

Cycling is simple, yet powerful. It strengthens the body, clears the mind, keeps us in nature, and allows us to breathe deeply. It is not just a sport – it is a way of taking care of ourselves. You do not need an expensive bike or special equipment – only the willingness to give it a try. Because once you experience what cycling brings – that sense of peace, strength, and satisfaction – there is no going back. If my story can inspire even one person to get started, then it has served its purpose. See you on the trail. Or somewhere up in the hills.