When James Dilks needed major reconstruction surgery, he swapped motocross for mountain biking as a form of rehabilitation and “got the bug”.
The 36-year-old has since formed part of a gold-winning team at the Island Games and achieved an elite racing licence.
James is one of 23 local athletes set to benefit from a share of over £100,000 in funding allocated by Jersey Sport.
The beneficiaries will also be able to access professional development workshops as part of the Performance Sport Programme.
Express sat down with James to chat about his sporting ambitions, and how the new funding programme will help him to achieve them…
Can you tell us about your sporting journey so far?
I grew up with a motorsport background in motorcycle trials and motocross.
I always rode mountain bikes, but used it as a rehab tool for an ACL reconstruction and got the bug.
I went on to race at a national level, competing in the Gotland Island Games in 2017.
I worked my way through the categories and in 2023 gained my elite licence by obtaining podium places and an overall result of third in the British Cycling National Series expert category.
I represented Jersey at the Guernsey Island Games and was a part of the gold-winning team.
I achieved eighth place overall in my first elite year in 2024 in the British Cycling National Series, with multiple top ten placings and a ninth at national championships.
Did you expect to get this far in your sport?
I have always been a competitive person but never expected to be achieving top ten results at a elite national level.
With hard work and dedication, success you never thought possible is achievable.
Being inspired and motivated by my teammates is something that had pushed me to succeed.
What do you love about your sport?
The places cycling has taken me and the people you meet.
I also love the freedom of riding and the escape it gives me from daily life.
How do you feel about being chosen to benefit from the Performance Sport Programme?
To be in a pool of some of Jersey’s most talented athletes is an honour.
Their achievements considering the restrictions of living on an island are amazing.
How will the programme assist your sporting progress?
It will enable me to expand my race calendar to international races such as the 3 Nations Cup in Belgium, as well as giving me access to specialist support from Jersey sport.
What is your sporting dream?
To take the podium at a national series race.