Chf Tech Ross Mallen shares his story of his cycling career over the years since joining the RAF age 16. His fight against illness hasn’t stop him achieving his sporting goals, what a great role model!
“I joined the RAF at 16 back in 2001 as a Trade Group 5 Gen Tech E. I was already competing in Cross Country Mountain Biking and was quickly swept into a raft of new events not previously known to me. I have gone on to race in numerous National Championships, represented the RAF in Interservices year on year and won multiple 24 hour races, eventually settling on Road Racing as the Men’s Team Captain 18 years later. I have been lucky enough to receive RAF Central Fund grants for a number of years. These have helped me to fund coaching expertise which has provided big gains in performance and progression. In June 2018, after a short severe period of illness, I was diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetic. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affect the body’s ability to self-regulate and function. The grant I received this year helped me with coaching from an Endocrinology specialist who focuses on in-sport performance for those with chronic illnesses. With this niche support I made a return to completion within 8 months of diagnosis; recently captaining the men’s team at the inaugural Interservices Criterium Championships.”
Chf Tech Ross Mallen, RAF Halton
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