Cyclists say rule being flouted to accommodate favourite

Jun 15, 2013 Sports

By Edison Jefford

Some sections of the local Cycling fraternity yesterday expressed their dissatisfaction of flouting the rules to accommodate “favourites”, which seems to be a practice emanating from the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) ahead of the National Championships.
Some cyclists and aficionados, who wished to remain nameless for fear of victimisation, said that the rule that states that all cyclists must compete at the National Championships to be eligible for the national selection is being flouted to accommodate a particular cyclist.
A senior member of the local cycling fraternity told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that a letter seeking to excuse United States-based cyclist, Geron Williams, from competing at the Championship had surfaced at a GCF meeting that was held on Thursday.
“The letter stated that Williams is unable to attend the National Championships because of some financial reason.
This is utter nonsense; he just finished riding the three-stage; he could’ve stayed a few more days and compete at the National Championships,” the person said.
Williams placed second at the National Sports Commission Independence three-stage race three weeks ago and left to compete in the United States afterward. Some sections of the local cycling fraternity is of the view that Williams is not bigger than the sport, and must return to compete at the National Championships slated for this month end.
The individuals are contending that Williams is aware that according to the UCI (International Cycling Union) rules, these Championships are held in the 26th week of the year and that it has to be a priority on any cyclist calendar to be eligible for national selection.
It was disclosed that persons finishing 1-10 at the National Championships are submitted to UCI for records.
“If you do not participate at the Championships you are not eligible to represent your country at any Championship overseas,” another cyclist indicated.
However, this newspaper was also told that it was related to the cycling fraternity on Thursday at the meeting that whoever wins the National Championship will not be automatically selected to represent Guyana if their competition record is in doubt.
“This is like saying to us that if we win we will not be selected because we did not ride in all the competitions of the year.
That cannot be fair. The national champion is the national champion at any level, which has nothing to do with how much you ride for the year,” a disturbed cyclist had indicated.
“If I didn’t ride whole year and I go and win the National Championships, does that mean that I am not the national champion and therefore I cannot represent Guyana? No it doesn’t and should not,” another cyclist sarcastically mused.
They believe that Williams has to ride at the National Championships to be eligible and will be protesting any moves to circumvent such rule. Williams rides for the Continental Cycling Club for which GCF President, Cheryl Thompson is also President.

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