By Romario Samaroo
National cyclist, Andrew Hicks, is eager to hear the whistle when competitive cycling returns. With the season closed indefinitely and the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) forcing the world to a virtual standstill, the wheelmen have been left in want of races.
Hicks, who along with his brother, David, both represent We Stand United, enlightened Stabroek Sport on life without races.
“Oh boy! I can’t explain how happy I would be to be back racing. You know, this virus is spreading and we all have to do what we can to prevent it from spreading but with no races happening I’m frustrated and hope races return as soon as possible,” the wheelsman said.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old Rose Hall Town, Berbice, resident, explained that they are maintaining social distancing even as they continue to train.
“My brother and I are obeying the rules by the authorities. Here it is like a ghost town… we still get to train though, we ride from home and go up the Corentyne and back when we go on the road but most of the time we are at home riding on my home trainer and doing core stability training to keep my body fit,” he explained.
Hicks added that he looks forward to moving into the top spot in the rankings of local riders whenever action in the sport resumes.
“Last year I didn’t compete much due to a back injury but I still managed to finish in the top 10 rankings. This year, with all the hard work I’m putting in, I hope that if we have any races I will be able to better that position and hopefully, finish in the top two rankings and maintain consistent performances,” Hicks opined.
So far this year, Hicks finished sixth in the opening race of the season as well as fifth and second respectively in the Forbes Burnham Memorial two-stage race.
