James Dimech, 15, member of the GO Youth Athlete Scheme of the MOC Centre of Excellence (MCE), has recently participated in a special weekend induction and accreditation course in track cycling, at the world famous Manchester Velodrome, where the World Track Cycling Championships were held last March.
James Dimech, who is a member cyclist of the Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Club, is the reigning Malta National under 15 Cycling Champion in Road, Individual Time Trial and Mountainbike disciplines.
Last January, while participating in the England Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Championship held at the Manchester Velodrome, James decided to take advantage of the venue and try a ‘taster’ cycling session on the track. He did so well during his ‘taster’ session that he was invited back to complete the induction and accreditation course which covers track skills introduction, learning, analysis, induction and Derny pacing.
The cyclists participating in the course were all seasoned adult cyclists, tri-athletes, time trial specialists, road racers, and so on. James Dimech was the youngest cyclist participating in this course however he managed to impress his peers and session coaches who even suggested that with his enthusiasm and potential, he should return to the UK to further his skills in this cycling discipline. At the end of the course, a mock race was held for the participants to practice what they had been taught and James even managed to place a very respectable second out of the 11 contestants in the race – no mean feat when racing against experienced adults!
James Dimech is the first Maltese cyclist ever to obtain track accreditation and although he realises that unfortunately Malta does not have a cycling track, the skills he acquired at the Manchester Velodrome nevertheless can be used during his road racing and time trialing exploits. Besides, one never knows what the future might hold and with further track cycling training abroad, he may one day even be able to participate in international track cycling events.
As members of the GO Youth Athlete scheme James benefits from support and assistance to take part in competitions and/or training camps abroad and a number of other benefits. This scheme is sponsored by GO as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility policy.