Cyclist Kelly to take up professional contract

By Morissa Lindsay

A long journey is finally paying off for Barbados’ top male cyclist Joshua Kelly who has written his name on history’s page as the first Barbadian male to sign a professional contract with Miami Blazers in the United States of America.

The announcement made this morning during a virtual press conference revealed that Kelly has formed an alliance and is now the latest member to join the Miami Blazers family which was formed in 2021 by brothers Corey and Justin Williams in California. Miami Blazers team comprises cyclists from Venezuela, Anguilla, Guyana, the United States of America and now Barbados.

“This is a big step for my career honestly in my mind. From going amateur to just doing spontaneous races, jumping from here to there, just trying to get the exposure and the right opportunity I think in an athlete’s career that is always the initial dream, to become professional and to make it a sustainable career,” Kelly said.

Over the years Kelly has worked hard and boasts of eight national road race titles. He also earned Gold at the Caribbean elite level and a silver medal at the Caribbean Junior cycling championship respectively.

Coached by Britain’s Simon Holt, the 26-year-old Kelly who hails from a competitive family with brothers and fellow athletes Jesse and Jacob, said without his parents he would not have gotten this far.

Focused and driven, Kelly commenced training at the beginning of March this year. He shared that for him it is exciting to race on the United States Professional Circuit and competing for the big titles. He added this was the opportunity he has always wanted and stated that he hopes to inspire other Barbadian cyclists along the way.

“I want to take this opportunity to inspire other Barbadian cyclists. I have a really strong brotherly support and kids need inspiration, they need heroes in a sense and I love to be that ray of light for the younger generation. Coming from an island where people only know about cricket and athletics on the world stage, I really hope this opportunity inspires and motivates others not to give up.

“As always, any opportunities I have for myself, I always try to keep the door open for others behind me because that is how we grow. The more professional cyclists from Barbados we have the better and I always try to contribute to that in any form or fashion without hesitation.

“I am really looking forward to growing with the team and winning big bike races but at the same time spreading a positive message through us racing bikes. I love to give the younger generation the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams. I feel like coming from a small island people are hesitant in venturing into the unknown and for us in Barbados professional cycling is far from popular these days,” Kelly explained.

The talented Kelly also revealed that his long-term dream is to represent Barbados at the Olympics in road cycling while his short-term goals for the 2022 season would be the Pan American Games and Caribbean Championships.

Minister of Sport, Youth and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, was in attendance and said his ministry is eager to promote cycling and by extension a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, Griffith revealed that very soon a cycling coach will be placed on the National Sports Council roster to teach and promote cycling in schools.

“It is important both the public and private sector invest in our youth as the key to advancing the sport in Barbados. In this vein, the National Sports Council which I am in charge of is seeking to place a coach on staff to promote cycling in our schools. We believe that if this is to be sustainable and if we are to have Josh replicated across the country, we must be the ones to take control and further push sport and develop it,” Griffith said.

He noted that cycling may not be seen as one of the sexiest sports in Barbados but the government was aware of its potential globally. Griffith also shared that his government remains committed to several plans inclusive of a new National Stadium, a standalone Velodrome in Bushy Park and are awaiting approval from the Town and Country Planning.

“It is expected that over the next couple of years cycling would have that spot in terms of a standalone and Josh you are the sole person, it is on your shoulders now – it may be heavy but you are the person at that level and your success ensures that other youngsters who are coming would aspire to reach where you are now at in terms of your success,” Griffith added.

Chief Executive Officer of G and A Communications Inc. Devin Griffith told the media that the company was happy to witness Kelly’s progress. Meanwhile, representative and athlete from the Miami Blazers Donte Young was present during the press conference and said the organization was extremely happy to have Kelly on board.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb