The Barbados Cycling Union (BCU) finds itself once again making preparations to travel to Trinidad and Tobago for its senior track national championships, slated for May 16-24.
President of the BCU, Charles Lynch told Barbados TODAY the decision to host the championships overseas for the second successive year was due to the continued unavailability of the cycling track at the National Stadium, which is under construction.
Lynch gave the assurance that plans were well underway for the championships in Trinidad, with cooperation from the Trinidad association and expected approval from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
“We’re prepared for the championships in Trinidad. I was already in contact with the Trinidad association, and they have willingly said we can do it, so it’s just a matter of applying for permission from the UCI, which more than likely will be granted,” Lynch affirmed.
BCU president Charles Lynch. (GP)
Acknowledging the logistical challenges, Lynch stressed the BCU’s readiness to utilize the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva this year, albeit with the primary expenses being incurred in transporting athletes and equipment to the twin island Republic.
“Accommodation is not a major problem because we have a good relationship with Trinidad, but it’s just a matter of getting the cyclists over there,” Lynch explained.
The absence of the National Stadium, which previously served as a hub for cycling, has been a concern.
While promises of reconstruction have been made by government officials, including Minister of Sports Charles Griffith and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, concrete timelines for the commencement of the proposed works remain elusive.
In the midst of these challenges, the BCU remains undeterred, with the upcoming season set to commence with the Don Stoute & Percival Niles Memorial race at Bushy Park this Sunday, starting at 2:00 pm.
The first race, which will be sponsored by Apex Construction, holds special significance as it honours the memories of Percival Niles and Don Stoute, who both tragically lost their lives in separate motor vehicle accidents while competing in December 2009.
Category one and two riders will tackle six laps covering the 10.1km course, while category three and juniors will complete five laps.
Category four competitors, alongside the veterans, will engage in a four-lap race, testing their endurance and skills on the course.
Female riders in categories one and two will vie for victory over five laps, while categories three and four will compete in a four-lap challenge.
Juniors and juveniles will engage in a three-lap race.
Anticipation runs high for an action-packed season, with Lynch revealing a promising start with 30 cyclists already registered.
Following the memorial race, the BCU’s calendar will feature its first time trials on February 11 at Long Bay, St Phillip.
