Mark Valent, a Hungarian climber born on June 11, 2004, officially enters the professional ranks with the MBH Bank Ballan CSB Colpack team after a season demonstrating stability, determination, and consistent growth. The rider from Bükkszentkereszt won the overall classification of the Tuscan challenge in 2023, including a second place in the uphill time trial at Arezzo and Coppa Rocca di Montemassi.

For Valent, being part of this project has a special meaning, as he is one of the first athletes to arrive in Italy through the Continental team: "First of all, I'm really happy to be part of such a promising group. 2025 was complicated, because everyone wanted to turn professional next year. Personally, I tried to focus on my work: racing, training, and not getting distracted by worries or external factors."

What he learned from the last season. Mark highlights the progress made especially in terms of preparation: "I learned a lot, especially about training. We made a real quantum leap, and I'm very happy with the work we've built. I've grown both as a person and as a cyclist, even if that's harder to measure."

The meaning of the Italian-Hungarian project. Joining the MBH Bank Ballan CSB Colpack 2026 means more than just sports for him: "This project means so much. It's the biggest opportunity of my life, and I'll do everything to make the most of it. It's also a great responsibility because we must show new generations that it's possible to become professionals starting from Hungary. Thanks to MBH Bank and the motivation of Hungarian riders, I hope we'll create something that becomes an inspiration for others."

The awareness of becoming a professional. For Mark, professionalism was never an abstract dream: "I'm a person who works for what I want. I always knew this would happen someday: I just had to work extremely hard, make this my life goal, and hope it would be noticed."

The dedication. His greatest thanks go to his family: "My family has supported me from the beginning. There was never a doubt about what I was doing or why. They always encouraged me to give my best. No one in the family had practiced competitive cycling, so I had to find my own path, and they did everything to support me."

Future objectives. Valent looks to 2026 with clear ideas and ambition: "My goals for next year are clear: improve as much as possible, win races, help when needed, and be a useful teammate. And above all, enjoy this journey."

Team manager Antonio Bevilacqua welcomes Valent to the 2026 formation: "We've been working with Mark for three years, and he has consistently improved. He represents an example for young Hungarians, who can find inspiration in his achievements, and for his country, committed to this path of sporting growth in cycling."