Young and promising cycling coach from Travnik, Marko Martinović, spoke out after visiting the prestigious UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland, for the first time, to participate in training for UCI-certified coaches.

Thanks to the support of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OK BiH) and the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiSa BiH), I had the honor to join the educational program at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, he said.

“During the four-week stay, I attended intensive lectures and practical workshops led by renowned professors from international universities and Olympians. The topics covered various aspects of coaching in cycling. Additionally, I visited the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, where I had the opportunity to meet and establish contacts with leading experts in sports and cycling.”

A special value of this education was the cooperation and exchange of experiences with national cycling coaches from 14 different countries across all five continents. By learning about their methods, cultures, and approaches to athletes, I gained insight into the diversity of cycling practices worldwide, emphasized Martinović.

“In addition to theoretical knowledge, the training included practical activities in disciplines not available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as velodrome riding, pump track, and BMX ramps. This experience further enriched my coaching skills and expanded my perspective on developing cycling,” he stated.

Marko Martinović is now preparing to take final exams, and he plans to transfer his acquired knowledge to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the goal of advancing cycling as a sport.

“I believe this step will contribute to the development of new disciplines, motivate and support young talents, and improve infrastructure and training quality in our country.”

He concludes that his experience at WCC is not only a personal achievement but also an important step toward the development of cycling in Bosnia and Herzegovina.