553 miles / 890 km!!!

On September 6-7, 2008 Marko Baloh shattered the bicycling world outdoor track record, covering 553.048 miles (890.038 km), 20 miles (32 km) farther than the old record. After reviewing the officials' report, the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) has certified the record which was set on the Polena outdoor track in Lenart, Slovenia. The track was surveyed and one lap is 0.9591km long.

For comparison, Michael Secrest held the 24-hour outdoor track record (532.74 miles) and holds the indoor track record (535.86 miles) and Orlando Borini holds the outdoor road record (540.313 miles). Baloh held the 12-hour outdoor track record of 281.316 miles.

Baloh rode 928 laps averaging just 95 seconds / lap, 23.043 mph. He also set 12-hour, 200-mile and 100-mile records.

Baloh has competed four times in the Race Across America, has finished second and third in the European Ultracycling Championship (Race Around Slovenia) and holds the Slovenia East-West record.

The UMCA is the international body that certifies ultracycling records. UMCA officials observed the record attempt, counted laps and submitted the officials' report which, was just certified by the UMCA. Chris (Hoppo) Hopkinson was the chief official; he is also the UMCA vice president.

Here is their story.

Marko's Finest 24 Hours
By Marko Baloh & Hoppo (Chris Hopkinson)

Marko: My opinion is that the 24-hour solo record represents one of the greatest challenges for ultracyclists and I have wanted to attempt the 24-hour for some time. My friend and crew chief, Andrej Petrovic, and I started planning for it two years ago. This year everything came together and the September 6th 24-hour record attempt would be the highlight of my season (if not more?). I've put the paperwork together, gathered the crew and four UMCA officials with Hoppo as chief official.

Hoppo: I arrived in Slovenia on Friday September 5th and was met at the airport and taken to Polena outdoor track in Lenart, where the 24-hour record attempt was going to take place the following day. I spent the night in a motor home.

Saturday September 6th started as planned in a nice relaxed manner but I did notice there were very strong winds. There were a few cycle races before Marko's record attempt was due and I could tell that the racers were having problems maintaining their speed due to the wind.

Marko Baloh racing through the night.

Marko: As usual things were hectic before the start so I could hardly wait to get to the start line. I was worried about the strong wind that had reached speeds up to 70km/h and I was not sure which wheels I should use. Listening to the advice from some experienced colleagues I opted for Zipp 999 wheel set and it was the right choice. I started out very fast and the first few hours I really enjoyed myself.

By the time night fell the wind dropped significantly and the temperature stayed warm. So, the night riding conditions were perfect. Even so, I had my first small crisis in the evening, but I was OK again after a few hours and my speed was up again until the morning. After the sun was up again, around 8 a.m., I started struggling with m speed again. And this time it was far worse and it lasted far longer. Looking back, I see that my average speed for laps was still above 33km/h, but it felt like I was standing still....

Hoppo: Throughout the first day and through the night Marko was lapping like clockwork. There were no great difficulties and everything was still going well as the sun came up. At this point I was very happy about how things were going and decided to take a short snooze. So as not to be too far away I went to sleep for half an hour next to the track, so that if there were any problems I could be awoken immediately.

Hoppo taking a break.

On waking up half an hour later I found that there were problems with the amount of laps completed and also the speed Marko was riding. I rushed and splashed water on my face and came up with a two-part plan to solve the problem. We started using a countdown lap counter for the number of laps Marko needed to break the record and I also added a few on to make sure that he would accomplish it. I also used Borini's road record (540.313 mi) as the mark we were aiming for and not Secrest's outdoor track record (532.74) mi. Sneaky, I know, but the end justifies the means...

Marko: My legs felt useless, there was absolutely no power anymore and I became really worried about the record. After struggling for some time, the thing that "woke me up" was a visit from Juré Robic and his family at the racetrack. They were very loud cheering for me and it was a huge morale booster. Somehow the power returned to my legs and the speed increased significantly. On top of that the countdown of laps began and it took my eyes and mind from the watch. I just pushed on the pedals and the record was closer with every lap covered.

Crew chief, Andrej Petrovic, hands a bottle to Marko Baloh.

When I finished the last lap (according to the countdown), a big burden fell of my shoulders and I was really flying in the last part. People were amazed (as I was) that I could put some of the fastest laps in 24 hours in the last half an hour of the attempt.Hoppo: I am glad I was able to officiate my friend Marko's record attempt as I consider myself lucky to have witnessed such a masterful display of bike riding. Not once in 24 hours did Marko stop or take a break. Not only is it Marko's finest 24 hours, it is the finest 24 hours I have ever witnessed. He has earned and deserves every one of these records.

Marko: After the race I was just too tired to enjoy myself. Of course I was happy and I did all the interviews and I thanked my crew and family as well as all the officials for their hard work over the last 24 hours. But only now, a few days later, when I look at the photos from the finish it sends chills down my spine. It really was the ride! I just cannot imagine doing any better than this. The number 890 kilometers is just too out there to comprehend. I think it shows that we "old men" of ultra cycling are still the force to be reckoned with. I am already thinking about my next goal and it might just as well be trying to better at RAAM...

From left: Igor Vidic writing the log sheet for Guinness, then UMCA officials Matjaz Jelovcan, Mira Gasparic and Chris Hopkinson.

I am thankful to all the crewmembers and the officials, Chris Hopkinson (chief official from England), Mira Gasparic, Matjaz Jelovcan and Franc Krivec (all from Slovenia). For taking their time to witness my record attempt. Especially this stands for Hoppo, who came all the way from England and he always is more than just an official — he is great company to be with, a good friend and the best motivator imaginable. A sincere thanks to everyone helping me achieve (one of) my dream(s)...