The Malta Cycling Federation has appointed Jack Schiavone, right, as its new national coach.

Schiavone a household name in Maltese cycling after he distinguished himself particularly in time trials.

In the San Marino Games for European Small Nations, he placed fourth and in the 2005 Malta time trials he was often the first or among the top finalists. During 2005 he was actively supporting the national team in their Andorra preparation and aimed at creating a team spirit which is the normal policy to achieve national honours in a heavily competitive cycling world.

The MOC, especially in view of his coaching certificate, has approved this appointment and has begun preparations for a possible cycling presence in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March 2006. The Federation has submitted an entry by number and is preparing the rather complex paper work which is tied to strict time limits.

Schiavone has submitted an outline of his coaching plans to the Federation. He intends to start with the group selected by the Federation for national representation but wishes to bolster it with possible new qualifiers.

In his programme he intends to hold regular weekly sessions which will include a variety of disciplines carried out under his close observation. He intends to have a person to person approach, with the possibility of indicated adjustments and revisions.

The Federation and the MOC have welcomed and sanctioned his strict disciplinary approach to ensure an accurate commitment from the individual components of the group.

Schiavone has further far-sighted plans connected with cycling. He aims at a more structured approach to the sport which will be enhanced by the embryo blueprint of a cycling school and a wider attraction to various age groups involving even family groups beside a cycling nursery.