Local cyclist Darel Christopher Jr completes Road World Champs

The BVI’s professional cyclist Darel Christopher Jr has completed the 2022 UCI (Union Cyclist International) Road World Championships held in Australia last week.

Christopher’s participation was made possible through sponsorship from the Ministry of Sports and the private sector. Walkers BVI donated $7,000 towards his campaign while Harneys donated $3,000, and Conyers Dill and Pearman contributed $2,000.

Minister for Sports Sharie de Castro said Christopher Jr was able to attend the Commonwealth Games earlier this year and that his hard work was recognised by him receiving the invitation to attend the UCI’s Road World Championships.

“It is a pleasure to see Darel Jr being able to attend this event and have BVI recognised for its ability to register a professional cyclist at the UCI Congress in just four years of BVI becoming a member of the organisation … I congratulate Darel Jr on the completion of his race and we look forward to continued success.” Minister de Castro said.

Christopher Jr secured a place of 45 out of 52 in weather conditions of 45 degrees (fahrenheit). There were times when training for the event had to be done indoors due to low temperatures.

The Virgin Islands was also recognised at the UCI Congress 2022 for being able to register a professional cyclist from a small island within four years of becoming a member of the organisation.