January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.

Last chance for riders to stake their national team claims


By Don [email protected] | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

The British Army will be wheeling out its big guns for the Butterfield Grand Prix.

The race will also serve as the final chance for Bermuda's top riders to make their case as to why they should be selected for the island's team at the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships is in October in Barbados.

Those announcements came yesterday as Butterfield had taken over the title sponsorship from Conyers Dill & Pearman.

Peter Dunne, president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association, said: "Our Bermuda team will be selected after the Grand Prix so it will be their final event," Dunne said.

He said a number of riders could end up on the squad, but Geri Mewett would be one cyclist in contention."

He added this has become a great showcase for locals to demonstrate their ability.

He said it was important for the BBA to reinvigorate its junior programme. Last year the Grand Prix decided to scale back its focus on bringing in major international teams and use that money to help keep the wheels spinning for its juniors.

The move appears to have paid off as 10 juniors recently participated in the Caribbean Junior Championships.

"Four of those...12 months ago were sitting on a couch," Dunne said. "And not engaged in sport."

He said in that short period of time they have become stars in the sport.

"We would like to develop more opportunities for them to demonstrate that locally."

That's not to say there won't be talented overseas cyclists here to compete. Tom Barras will be back to defend his title. Barras dominated the Grand Prix last year with wins in the criterium and road race and a second in the time trial.

But he may find it tougher going as the British Army plans an all out attack for top honours for the September 19-20 races.. "They're really, really good," said Dunne. He said a development team from the U.S. have already signed up so there will still be a good mix of local and overseas cyclists.

Butterfield Bank is the new title sponsor for the Grand Prix and gave $10,000 to the Bermuda Cycling Association yesterday.[[In-content Ad]]

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