Joe Bajada, Secretary General of the Maltese Cycling Federation, has been honoured with the UEC Merit Award at the 38th Union Européenne de Cyclisme Congress, held in Avignon, France earlier this month.
The award was presented in the historic Conclave Hall of the Palace of the Popes, in the presence of delegates from 46 nations. UEC President Enrico Della Casa made the presentation personally, alongside David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale.
Bajada received the honour in recognition of decades of dedication to cycling in Malta and across Europe, as well as his historic role representing Malta within both the UCI and the UEC, a first in the history of Maltese cycling.
Speaking after the ceremony, Bajada described the occasion as deeply meaningful. “It was truly wonderful to receive this honour in such a historic place where faith, service, and sport came together. I accept this award with the utmost humility, particularly in light of the voluntary work and sacrifices involved in serving the cycling community,” he said.
As a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Bajada noted that being recognised in a venue of such Christian historical significance carried a particular personal resonance, reflecting what he described as more than 50 years of voluntary service across sport, journalism and administration.
He dedicated the award to his family, and in particular to his wife Salvina, daughters Vivienne and Lourdes, their husbands Charlton and Paul, and his three grandchildren Destinie, Ylenia and Yana.
Merit Awards were also presented to Catherine Gastou of France and Jolanda Polkamp of the Netherlands, while Agata Lang Lelangue of Poland and Henrik Jess Jenson of Denmark received the UEC Gold Licence.
