In the last few years, the Malta Triathlon Federation (MTF) embarked on a partnership programme with the European Triathlon Union (ETU) with the aim of having its promising athletes practise under the guidance of the best coaches on the continent.

Maltese youths have attended courses in Croatia, Slovenia and Lithuania while MTF coaches have also participated in training camps and obtained Level 1 certification.

As part of this on-going programme, Matthaeus Sciberras, Mattea Grech and Jake Vella have just attended a six-day training camp in Alicante, Spain, once again organised by the European Triathlon Union.

The three young triathletes were accompanied by academy coach Matthew Azzopardi.

During their week-long stay in Alicante, the athletes practised swimming, cycling and running and also had sessions in mountain-biking, velodrome-cycling and open-water swimming.

They also had daily theoretical sessions followed by training drills.

“It was an unforgettable experience full of fun and learning opportunities,” Grech said in an MTF statement.

“The coaches were amazing and I really learned a lot from this camp. It made me eager to train more and better on my return home.”

Vella said he was particulary impressed with the facilities in Alicante, adding that the highlight of the experience was velodrome cycling.

Cyprian Dalli, triathlon federation president, said: “For triathlon to grow and develop on our shores, we need to venture away from the country and learn from those with a wealth of experience and expose our athletes to the most advanced training methods.”

The development of the sport in Malta is mainly spearheaded by the Triathlon Academy which is coordinated by the federation through its national coach, Dermot Galea.

Sessions for newcomers, aged six to 16, are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.