"Balkan Offroad Marathon" is a rally-raid competition for amateurs with 4x4 cars, motorcycles and ATV which is held in several countries of the Balkan Peninsula.

In its first edition in 2009 there were over 50 participants, as then the competition passed 3 countries Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece and passed 1200 km.

For its second edition the participants were 65 from 8 countries, as for the first time there was and class "Touring" for unprepared vehicles. The idea was they to enjoy the nature and to feel the emotion of the race. Length of the track was 1800 km, as 1400km of them were special stages for a time.

The start and the prologue of the race were in Plovdiv (Bulgaria), at the same time was held and "National Offroad Fair of Bulgaria" Over 5000 fans watched the start of the race.

In class "ATV & QUAD" there were 18 participants from Bulgaria, Greece, Germany and Czech Republic, as the competitors were separated in two groups - with navigation by road book and navigation with GPS. At the competition attended and two ladies - Zornitsa Todorova with KTM 525 in class "Road book" and Marina Topalska in class "GPS". Zornitsa Todorova has participated in many Bulgarian and international competitions and at this moment she is on the second place in "Bulgarian Enduro Chamiponship".

The first two days the track was in Bulgaria passes through amazing Rodopi Mountain with total distance 580 km. for both days. In class "ATV" there was big competition between the Bulgarian riders Stoyan Kozarov with Polaris 525, Zornitsa Todorova wit KTM 525 and Petar Cenkov with Renegade 800 XC. Petar Cencov is one of the best rally-raid riders in Bulgaria, participant for "DAKAR 2011", and this year he also participated in "Rally Sandalion" on the Sardinia Island.

After the first day dropped out the Czech competitor Vlastimil Tosenovski with E-ATV, competitor in European Baja Championship, and the fight in class "Road Book" was between four Bulgarian pilots.

In class "GPS" Greek competitor Chris Stamboldzis with "Outlander 800 2011" gain big advantage and managed to keep it until the end of the race.

In class "Motorcycles" the Italian pilot Ugo Filosa each day increased his lead over Plamen Yotsov from Bulgaria and Johannes Lukas from Austria.

In class "Auto 4x4" there were a romanian crew - ANDREI JERKA/ALEX BOJICA "ARCHITECT GROUP" with LAND ROVER DEFENDER.

The interesting thing in this competition is that every night the camp is located in very attractive places with mineral pools. There was friendly atmosphere between the competitors and they helped to each other all the time.

In Greece the tracks were extremely fast with many kilometers, as the longest stage was 450 km. before the rest day in Edessa.

Edessa is a town in Greece popular for its many waterfalls and beautiful landscapes, and our bivouac was located below the biggest waterfall.

In the Overall Petar Cenkov held his leading position, followed by Zornitsa Todorova and Stoyan Kozarov in class "Road Book" In class "GPS" led convincingly ahead another two participants from Greece.

In class "MOTO" the winner was Ugo Filosa (Italy), followed by Plamen Yotsov (Bulgaria) and Johannes Lukas (Austria).

In class "Auto" first three places were for Bulgarian competitors - Kolev/ Kolev with Nisan Patrol 4,2 , Trayanov/ Marinov with Toyota 3,0 D , Raichev/Raicheva with Toyota 4,2. The romanian competitors Jerka/Bojica ranks 14th position from 25 cars.

The race has enjoyed great media interest. Each night at central news of the National Television of Greece and Bulgaria were broadcast reports. The official media partner was the most popular site for off-road www.marathonrally.com

For the next edition in 2011 the organizers will prepare more interesting tracks in virgin places and mountains, and will provide even more emotions and nice surprises for the competitors."

www.primul-atv-magazin.ro