**Students Complete Historic Bike Ride to Draw Attention to Student Demands**
Yesterday evening, Novi Sad hosted a grand celebration to welcome back a group of students who completed an incredible 1,400-kilometer bike ride from Novi Sad to Strasbourg. The journey was undertaken to raise awareness about the current situation in Serbia and the demands of Serbian students.
The group of 80 students, who started their adventure on April 3, pedaled through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany before reaching France. Their impressive feat has drawn attention from locals and officials alike, with many hailing them as heroes.
**A Grand Welcome**
As they returned to Novi Sad, the cyclists were greeted by a sea of people gathered on the Varadin Bridge. Many residents from surrounding towns had arrived in an organized show of support, waving flags and cheering for the students. The cyclists made a symbolic entrance on foot, walking across a red carpet laid out for them.
The reception continued with fireworks and ceremonial wreaths being awarded to the students. Two choirs performed in front of the Serbian National Theatre, singing the national anthem “God of Justice” alongside the student cyclists’ anthem. Certificates of appreciation and awards were presented to the students.
**Overwhelmed by Support**
Speaking to N1, Uros, a University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics student, expressed his amazement at the grand welcome. “The feeling is phenomenal, this whole welcome is phenomenal. The entire city of Novi Sad came out to support us – I feel amazing.”
Helena, another participant, described the reception as “spectacular,” while Vladimir Markovic, a student from Novi Sad’s Faculty of Technical Sciences, said he was speechless: “I expected a lot, but not this much. It’s unbelievable, the crowd just keeps coming, I’m speechless, to be honest.”
**A Heartwarming Gesture**
As part of the celebration, residents of four local communities in Novi Sad came together to raise funds and buy a brand-new bicycle for Ilija, a law student who took part in the “Tour to Strasbourg.” The bike was presented to him on Tuesday evening.
In a message to Ilija, the residents expressed their solidarity and gratitude: “You are all our heroes, but one of you truly stole our hearts. Our dear Ilija, a law student from Novi Sad, completed the Tour to Strasbourg on what many described as a completely unsuitable bicycle.”
**A Night to Remember**
The evening’s festivities continued with music performances scheduled until 12:40 am. The student cyclists sang their anthem in unison, while professors and local residents prepared food and drinks for them.
This grand welcome is a testament to the power of community support and solidarity. As one student cyclist put it, “It’s unbelievable, the crowd just keeps coming, I’m speechless, to be honest.”
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