Dajka gets license back

Australian 2002 World Keirin Champion Jobie Dajka has been reinstated his racing license by the national federation, Cycling Australia, allowing him to resume competition. On June 16, 2005, the Cycling Australia Disciplinary Tribunal imposed a three-year ban on Dajka after determining he had assaulted Head Track Coach, Martin Barras. At that time, the Tribunal determined he could apply to have the penalty suspended and reapply for his Cycling Australia licence after one year pending several conditions, which he has done.

In a press release, Cycling Australia announced on Friday that Dajka had "reasonably met those conditions", which included an anger management course and 80 hours of community service. However, even if the remaining 18 months of his penalty have been suspended, Dajka will "automatically serve the remaining period of disqualification if he infringes any of the By-Laws or Code of Conduct of Cycling Australia plus any penalty imposed for a subsequent offence."

Moreover, the track cyclist will not be eligible for the Australian national team until October 31, 2007, and will be required to remain in psychotherapy treatment for least six months from December 22, 2006.

Dajka had been convicted of assault, theft, and driving while disqualified earlier this week, after being charged with 13 separate offences. He vowed to come to terms with coach Barras so that he can compete in the Olympics in Beijing. "I'd rather have a bit of contact with him and get things over and done with now so we can plan on working together later on and avoid any trouble later on," he said, according to The Daily Telegraph. "Because at the end of the day, I will be there in 2008 at the Olympics and he'll be there too, he'll be the coach, so we have got to work together."