The Guana Cycling Federation (GCF) has decided on a four-member team to represent the country next month at the Tour of Tobago.
According to racing secretary, Malcolm Soonaram the team will be Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega, Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Michael Anthony and Jornel Yearwood along with National Road Race champion, Curtis Dey. Marc Soonaram is the manager.
Originally, Team Cocos’ Jamaul John and We Stand United’s Briton John had been shortlisted for the tour but Sonaram said yesterday that the We Stand United club “never responded to the e-mails,” adding that “the deadline had passed last Friday.”
The situation with Jamaul John was a bit different as the GCF received different stories, said Sonaram.
“Jamaul John indicated initially that he wanted to go but his club said if they have to pay then he has to ride with Team Coco’s colors.
“Now they are saying that they don’t have funds to send him and if we want him we will have to pay for him.”
Sonaram said that it has always been the position that the GCF selects the riders but the clubs fund the participation of those selected.
He is, however, of the view that if the federation selects a team they should be able to fund that team’s participation.
He also disclosed that the body had begun reaching out to persons and companies for sponsorship and will have a Bar-b-Que this Sunday at the Victor Macedo Memorial race on the outer circuit of the National Park.
The event will run from October 1-6.
