Funding delay raises concern over Guyana’s junior cyclists’ Belize trip

With the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships just two weeks away, officials within the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) are hoping that promised support from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will be provided soon to help the national junior team travel to Belize.
The championships are scheduled for August 22-23 and Guyana’s confirmed team comprises Alexander Leung, Alex Newton, Kevin Stephen and female cyclist Tandeia Noel.
According to a GCF executive member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the federation received assurances that the GOA would provide the necessary assistance for the team. However, the support has not yet been received, causing concern within the cycling fraternity as the competition approaches.
The source said the parent of one cyclist has already purchased an airline ticket and is expecting reimbursement from the federation. The GCF, however, is reportedly awaiting the promised funding from the GOA before it can cover that expense.

Officials remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved promptly, allowing the young cyclists to focus fully on representing Guyana at the regional championships.
The situation is particularly important for Leung, who is in his final year as a junior cyclist and will therefore have his last opportunity to secure a medal at this level. Persons within the cycling fraternity believe he is in good form and capable of challenging for silverware, provided he is able to make the trip.
Most of the cyclists have also benefited from recent training stints at the International Cycling Union’s satellite training centre in Trinidad and Tobago, which helped with their preparation for the championships.
The two-day event will begin with the individual time trial on the Trial Boom Road on August 22. Junior men will compete over 20 kilometres, while the other categories will cover 15 kilometres.
The road race will follow on August 23 along the Philip Goldson Highway. The junior men are scheduled to race 93.6 kilometres over 12 laps, while the other categories will contest 62.4 kilometres over eight laps.
With travel arrangements requiring urgent attention, the cycling community is looking forward to the promised support being made available in sufficient time for Guyana’s junior riders to compete in Belize.