Cycle trails
The Blatná region is interwoven with a web of cycle ways suitable for not demanding cyclist. tř. J. P. Koubka (avenue of J.P. Koubek) and Náměstí Míru is a starting point of several routes of different length and difficulty. The routes go mainly through low-frequency local roads, forest and field roads. Just walking or cycling you will reach the remote areas of the region, whose scenery will enchant you as they are characteristic undulating landscape with mixed forests and many ponds.
In recent years, Blatná region has been called the "region of Christian Battaglia". Well known baron from Bratronice, a phenomenal cyclist who has cycled nearly a million kilometres in his life, is a model for all cyclists who decide to travel across the entire Blatná region ecologically. He left his mark on every inch of soil, becoming a patron - the protector of those who follow him. In spring 2003 his fanclub in his hometown Bratronice built and solemnly unveiled an honorary monument with a bust. Hundreds of his fans attended the ceremony, and the memorial was revealed by his faithful friend and former national representative Jan Veselý from Prague. The author of the unique project in the Czech Republic was an academic sculptor from nearby Blatenka, Karel Kryška, who gave his own block of Hořice sandstone to the construction. The monument of Bratronice village square became a pilgrimage place for cyclists and no visitor to the region will leave without visiting it. The famous cyclist is buried in the cemetery in nearby Záboří together with his sister Blanka.
The Battaglia originally belonged to the old Italian military aristocracy. Baron Quido Battaglia, together with his charming wife Gizela, settled here in South Bohemian village of Bratronice. During the Protectorate and the subsequent communist dictatorship the family underwent persecution and young Christian was even imprisoned in Březnice for several months in the 50s. He is renowned for his toughness and extraordinary modesty. He rode a bike at any time of the year in all weather conditions, took part in hundreds of races and in 25 demanding cycling marathons “Prague - Karlovy Vary – Prague”, which nobody before or after him was able to accomplish. His cycling diets were dry bread crusts and a chocolate bar, he drank just water. He died as everyone had foreseen – he suffered from heart collapse while cycling in the 1991.
Blatná region is a paradise for cycling, it has many natural and man-made landmarks. Moreover, it has something that other cycling paradises do not have - its patron, Christian Battaglia and his legacy.