For the first time, a young cycling coach from Travnik, Marko Martinović, has been invited to the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland, to attend prestigious training for UCI-licensed coaches.
This marks the first occasion that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has extended such a high-level development opportunity to a sports professional from Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to the efforts of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in collaboration with the UCI and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Marko received the invitation due to his dedicated work and successful completion UCI Level 2 program. This opportunity not only acknowledges his achievements but also opens doors for future collaboration with professional teams and international cycling structures," stated the Federation.
Marko will attend the UCI camp from April 1 to April 23, 2025, working closely with some of the world’s best cycling coaches. Following the training, he will take the examination for the prestigious UCI Level 3 diploma..
“In addition to supporting athletes, the focus of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the professional development of coaches. We are proud to provide this support and believe that Marko’s knowledge will contribute to the growth and future success of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the benefit of our athletes and sports system," said Prof. Dr. Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Toni Zorić emphasized the significance of this project, noting that the entire process of sending Marko is coordinated through the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OC BiH), which will cover all travel, accommodation, and training expenses through Solidarity Programs.
"Marko Martinović’s invitation to the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle is a significant step forward for cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the first time that the UCI has recognized the work of a sports professional from our country at such a high level, a result of years of dedicated efforts, cooperation, and joint initiatives between the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Marko has earned this opportunity through his commitment, and I am confident that the knowledge and experience he gains at the WCC will further develop our coaching capacities and enhance cycling in our country," Zorić highlighted.
This success comes after the BiH Cycling Federation, in cooperation with the HerzegovinaBike Association, organized a successful training camp in Blidinje last year as part of Blidinje BIKE Festival, where trainings were held for UCI Level 1 i Level 2 coaches.
About 20 sports workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the camp, and the lectures were given by experts from UCI. The organization of this event received excellent marks at the UCI assembly held in Zurich last year, which additionally confirmed the high-quality work of the Association on the development of coaching capacities.
The Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has already demonstrated its dedication to developing coaching capacities through initiatives like the Blidinje coaching camp. Marko’s departure to Switzerland is a continuation of this positive trend and serves as an inspiration for young coaches and athletes to reach international standards and recognition through hard work and commitment," added Zorić.
Marko’s journey to the UCI Centre represents an important milestone for cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, motivating young coaches and athletes to pursue excellence.
The Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina wishes Marko great success in Switzerland and looks forward to his return with new knowledge and experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to the development of cycling in the country.
