Candidate Information
Marko Baloh
Age: 40
Ljubljana, SLOVENIA
Any significant relationship(s) with current Board members or other candidates for election? No
http://www.markobaloh.com/en/

Most of you know me through my ultra-cycling accopmplishments. Which are not as bad as they are, but I think I have quite a few "fast years" ahead of me still. UMCA has given me so much more then enjoyment when racing (and hopefuly winning) — it has given me tons of new friends all over the globe. At first I couldn't believe my eyes, when I saw how different UMCA community is from what I have been used as a racer in my active UCI years. People who you see for the first time encouraging you and everyone prepared to help you achieve your goals. I have met many great people during ultra-races and their friendship means so much more then the trophies I collected along the way.

From the other perspective, I enjoy cycling camaraderie very much. Cycling in non-competitive way, like in Paris-Brest-Paris and the brevets I had to ride before PBP 2007. It gives you all new attitude in cycling — riding along the countryside with your pears. UMCA is the organisation that helps you in whatever way you like to take your cycling — the competitive way or only riding with your buddies. For now I like both stiles, maybe racing is still in the forefront, but I guess riding with buddies will slowly but surely take over.

I have been a contributing editor for UMCA, mostly reporting from my races and record attempts. From my very positive experience with PBP and the qualifications in 2007, I decided to promote ultra-cycling and ranndoneuring if you want to call it that in Slovenia with organizing brevets. The first one in September 2007 went as smoothly as it could, so we have gone from that one brevet to organizing three in 2008. We want to be able to organize the whole ÈpackageÇ for PBP 2011 qualifying, meaning the 200, 300, 400 and 600km series.

With my experience as a racer and event organizer, I hope I can help UMCA grow and become even better and more suited to every member's needs. I have quite a few years of working experience in private and governmental institutions, but I don't think that should be a factor in your decision. What counts here is that I have a passion for the sport of ultra-cycling and I am commited to working for the good of UMCA and its members.

Please, show your support for UMCA - take time and take part in voting in the 2008 Election of Directors. This is your right and also a responsibility. You have five good candidates and I am sure that whoever you will vote for, will make his/her best to help UMCA grow.

Regardles of your vote, please don't hesitate to approach me when you meet me. I may be a bit shy, but I am quite a nice guy to talk to, when I am not blazing 40+ km/h down the road... ;) And, I am sure we have a lot to talk about... See you!

Cycling accomplishments:

• WORLD RECORDS UMCA for the fastest 100miles (4h 1min 12sec), 200miles (8h 17min 59sec) and in 12h Time Trial on the road (458,76km and average speed 38,23 km/h),
• 2. place Race around Slovenia - RAS 2007, European UMCA Championships,
• 2. place GlocknerMan 2007
• Paris-Brest-Paris 2007 - 1.220km in time of 46h 36min,
• 1. place Kainachtal Trophy 2007 24h Race,
• 1. place KraftwerkTrophy 2006 24h solo with a World Record of 978,75km,
• UMCA record in fastest crossing of Slovenia E-W Hodo_ - Debeli rti_ 340km in 9h 34min 28sec (average speed 35,54km/h),
• 2. place RAAM 2006 Enduro,
• 1. place Kainachtal Trophy 2006 24h solo,
• 2. place Kraftwerk Trophy 24h solo 2005,
• 3. place Le Tour Direct 2005,
• 1. place Furnace Creek 508 in 2004,
• 1. place Silberreiher Trophy 24h Race 2002,
• 2. place Race across the Alps 2001 and 2002,
• set two UMCA world records for 12h TT = 452,73km (outdoor track) and fastest 200 miles in 2002,
• 1. place UMCA 24h TT Championships Iowa 2002, male 26-35 years, 2. overall.