SPORTS
Come on Beckles
“Come to the federation, don’t just wait for us to come.”
That’s the demand of Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) president Rowena Williams, speaking about the lack of sponsorship for cycling in the TT.
TT cyclists have excelled on the world stage, delivering quality performances at the last two events – the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Lima, Peru and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
TT finished the Pan Am Championships on Sunday with seven medals – four gold, one silver and two bronze. It was the country’s best showing ever at a Pan Am championship.
Williams followed TT cyclist Teniel Campbell’s call for more help.
On Sunday, Campbell wrote on Facebook, “Time for a SUSTAINABLE development program with SMART goals and INVESTMENT plans for the TTO team rider.
She added, “One cannot forget the NEED for cohesive staff members that athletes can trust.”
The TT riders have been in stellar form over the last few weeks.
At the Commonwealth Games, which ended on August 8, Nicholas Paul won three medals. He won gold in the men’s keirin, silver in the men’s sprint and bronze in the 1K time trial.
The Prime Minister recognized the performances of the cyclists. Dr Rowley praised Campbell on Sunday in a Facebook post, saying: “Gold for Teniel. Well done! Cyclist Teniel Campbell won gold in the women’s points race at the Pan American Elite Cycling Championships in Lima, Peru.”
Williams said, “We see that corporate TT is essentially looking to sponsor cricket and football more than it would athletics, cycling or other sports.”
She said cyclists require financial support to compete at a high level.
“It’s a career for them,” she said. “The sport itself takes a lot to manage to get the cyclists where they’re going just to qualify for the races, it’s very difficult for the cyclists…in terms of the different rounds and events in it which must go. It takes a lot of money to really get the cyclists to where they need to be and to be at that level.”
Williams said a concerted effort is required.
“We would really like to impress on how we can collaborate and partner with each other to really continue to give cyclists what they need to continue to perform at their best.”
Williams said, with Paul competing on the world stage, his competitors will “come after him”, so he needs the support to continue training at a high level.
Detailing how expensive cycling can be, Williams said: “A bike costs more than $30,000 to be at that level.”
A cyclist’s gear also includes a helmet, shoes and a uniform that can cost close to $20,000.
TTCF has a partnership with Colombian clothing line Suarez Clothing for uniforms, but Williams said more funding is needed to get better quality uniforms.
Williams also agreed with Campbell’s plea for a sustainable development program.
“She is right. We have to make sure we have a consistent (program).”
Williams urged drivers to share the road with cyclists, as endurance riders, including Campbell, train on the road.
She said the roads should be improved, as potholes will damage their bikes.
“It requires cooperation from all ministries, everyone and the corporation (TT) to participate and see how we can help our athletes. I’m not just talking about cycling, I’m talking about everyone.”
Williams congratulated all the cyclists who competed in the Elite Pan Am Cycling Championships.
Pan Am Medalists:
Nicholas Paul – sprint gold, keirin gold, team sprint gold
Teniel Campbell – gold points race, silver individual sprint, bronze elimination race
Akil Campbell – scratch racing silver
Kwesi Browne – team sprint gold
Zion Pulido – gold in team sprint
