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FROM KIDS TO PROFESSIONALS
with Raphaël Giambi.

The child was 6 years old. And he was one of the many people positioned on the circuit barriers to keep an eye on the strokes of genius on show by the most experienced riders. You had to pay close attention, every detail was a master class in style and skill. There was no better school to learn in. Raphael, who did everything with the same dedication, took part in and enjoyed those lessons.

It was on those circuits that Karim Amour figured out that there was something special hiding behind the tender gaze of that child. He saw character. He reminded him of a child that used to dream of the Enduro World Series — the one he still saw in the mirror every morning. He saw himself 30 years ago.

Do you like Enduro cycling?
I can teach you.

That sentence was the start of a teacher-student relationship that continues today after 10 years of racking up national and world titles — and even achieving podiums in the elite category.

Raphaël Giambi's story is a story of precociousness. An example of how passion for sport, combined with innate qualities, mean that age is just a number on the path to sporting glory.

He took part in his first BMX world championships at the age of 10. He started winning local Enduro competitions when he was 12. A year later, he joined the professional BH Enduro Racing Team. And now, at just 16 years old, he is double champion of France (4th in the elite category in the same championship) and he competes in the EWS, where he was the winner in Loudenvielle.

“I try to stay humble. There's still a long way to go”, Raphaël repeats. While that progression continues, he prefers to focus on his training, fitness and diet. To stick with his routine, which includes Enduro, BMX and road race cycling. However, he doesn't neglect his studies and continues to live the life of a teenager.

I try not to change my daily routine.
To be as focused as possible.
Going from being an amateur to a professional
and everything that involves, it's a huge leap.

Stories of precociousness in sport are divided into great geniuses and notorious failures. Avoiding becoming one of the latter is almost as important has the quest for early glory. Educating the child and showing them that making mistakes is necessary to grow in life is vital to achieve sporting maturity.

You have to learn to embrace your mistakes.
Making mistakes increases your maturity.
Let's start over. One more time!

On countless occasions these words can be heard from the lips of Karim Amour. This Frenchman, a legend in Enduro cycling and longevity personified, is guiding the steps of the young Giambi. A second father on and off the track.

A single training session is enough to understand the meaning of the cautious words that Karim has made an article of faith. Every technical remark is a lesson. Each mistake is a source of motivation. They have fun together, but they never talk about possible future victories, only the following day.

The people around you are essential. It's important that they know how to guide you
and rein you in when necessary.

"You have to be realistic and tell them the truth. Very few people will reach the top. You have to keep motivated and work hard, whether or not success comes”, remarks Karim, with the wisdom of someone who has battled on hundreds of stages.

Now is the time to learn and enjoy the sport they are passionate about. Victories are “merely” rewards for a job well done. It is the path to those victories that really shapes and differentiates the great idols in sport - and in life.

Enjoy the moment Raphaël!