Cyclists sought for reserve role
The nation's top cycling body will give four cyclists the chance to act as substitutes for the SEA Games riders as they prepare to chase gold.
Cycling Federation Secretary Lassamy Soundara said those cyclists would act as reserves, training as potential replacements in case of unexpected injury.
He said while nothing untoward had occurred so far, no one could know if or when accidents might occur.
“We already have 16 cyclists, who will be the nation's representatives at the 25th SEA Games in December.
“However, we are worried that some of them may fall victim to accidents or injury during training or other competitions,” he said.
The federation has promoted the opportunity throughout country including Champassak, Saravan, Savannakhet, Khammuan, Borikhamxay, Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces, as well as the capital.
Keen racers will participate in a cycling event in Vientiane on October 17-18.
“They will be in competition with each other and the 16 team members, and from them the federation will select the substitutes,” Mr Lassamy said.
Last Monday, representatives of the federation met the SEA Games Secretarial Committee to discuss plans for training for cycling federation instructors, supported by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and to be held from October 8-18.
The committee approved plans for the training course as well as the competition.
Mr Lassamy said 25 cycling trainers across the country would participate in the course after which they would be certified by the international body.
“UCI will support any country when they host the SEA Games, so this year it is Laos and the federation will bring all instructors throughout country to train with them and get the certificate to ensure the quality of local cycling training,” he said.
He added that the federation would also arrange the competition for cycling substitutes during the training course.
The federation selected its 16 national representatives following the Eighth National Games in Champassak province last December.
They have since been based at the cycling centre in Vatnak village, Sisattanak district.
“Since beginning training there, they have taken part in competitions in Thailand , including the Road and MTB Thailand championship 2009 in Chainat province, and the 28th National Games in Trang province,” Mr Lassamy said.
Lao cyclists achieved second, third, fourth and fifth places at various events in those races.
“Currently our cyclists are practising hard for the benefit of the nation, and we can see they are improving as they prepare for the SEA Games.”
However, delays in equipment delivery could still put an obstacle in the path to glory.
“Now we also face some problems with the equipment we need for the bicycles, because delivery is late. The riders need to be familiar with the bikes before the real competition gets underway.”
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
October 8, 2009
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