By Neto Baptiste
A number of overseas-based cyclists are expected to compete in the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation (ABCF) National Championships slated for this weekend.
President of the federation St Clair Williams announced on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show that the two-pronged nationals will pedal off with the APUA Inet Individual Time Trial on Saturday and culminate with the Top Ranking Individual Road Race on Sunday.
A number of high-profile athletes to include Italy-based Emmanuel Gayral who rides with the Zappi Racing Team and US-based Conor Delabanque.
Emmanuel Gayral (centre) is based in Italy 
Conor Delabanque
“Mr Jyme Bridges, he should be in Antigua for that race also and, in addition to that, we have sent an invitation out to St Vincent & the Grenadines so two riders should be on island to participate in that race. They [the cyclists] would have gotten the protocols we would have received from the Ministry of Health so they would have chosen the time they think they would be able to go through that quarantine period and be ready for participation in the ride this weekend,” he said.
Saturday’s Individual Time Trial is slated to pedal off at 9 am following a registration period starting at 7:30 am and concluding at 8:45 am.
Williams said that close to 30 cyclists are expected to compete on both days, adding that the route has already been approved by the federation and most of the cyclists taking part.
“It’s as safe as we’re going to get and that’s why we chose that route. We were contemplating other routes but at the end of the day we had to make a decision ahead of time so that the guys could take a look, do some rides on the route and see how they can maneuver it so it’s the best we have at the moment and we are going to go with that route for Saturday morning,” he said.
Sunday’s Top Ranking Individual Road Race, which is also powered by Subway, Gatorade, Paradiso and Inet, is slated to start at 2 pm. Registration will run from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm.