– Commonwealth Games cyclists feel preparation was insufficient
Two of the three local cyclists who represented Guyana at the recent Commonwealth Games in India emphasized yesterday that more needs to be done in terms of preparing national cyclists for international events.
Marlon Williams and Alonzo Greaves, who recently returned from the games, commented on their performances when contacted by Stabroek Sport via telephone yesterday with Stabroek Sport unable to contact the third cyclist Marlon `Fishy’ Williams.
Greaves participated in two cycling events at the Games, indoor on the cycling track in the 20km scratch race and outdoor in the 168km road race.
The Roraima Bikers Club cyclist failed to complete both events.
He only managed 25 laps in the scratch race which covered a distance of 40 laps and he ended the road race prematurely, dropping out with 40 miles still to go.
According to Greaves, he was experiencing cramps in the road race and was forced to drop out.
“I don’t know what position I would have finished, but I was up with the main group when I cramped up in the road race,” he said.
Greaves did not give a specific reason for ending the scratch race 15 laps short of the finish line but emphasized that the outcome of both races can be attributed to the “different level of fitness” between him and the more experienced competitors.
“The guys I went up against are professionals and champions that take part in world events such as the Tour de France… it was just a different level of fitness,” said Greaves.
In order for local cyclists to measure up to the level of competitiveness required to place among the world’s best at the Commonwealth Games, Greaves emphasized that local cyclists “need proper training and facilities.”
“We need to race against guys that are professionals more often overseas to gain experience… we can make it, but we need the training,” Greaves noted, adding that “it was a good experience riding with the pros.”
Marlon `Fishy’ Williams contested the 168km road race, which he too did not complete and also the road time trials in which he placed 33rd in a field of over 70 cyclists.
Geron Williams, though, was the only one of the three cyclists to complete the 168km road race, finishing 32nd.
He too feels that more needs to be done to prepare riders before they go on the world stage.
“In an event like that, where you’re coming up against some of the biggest cycling competitors in the world and you get selected two weeks ahead of the event (that) is unacceptable,” he said.