Keller nomination upsets cyclists

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Cycling Federation can find themselves on a sticky wicket if Azikwe Keller remains their nomination at the coming First Citizens Bank (FCB) Sportsman and Woman of the Year awards early next year. It is understood that members of the cycling federation as well as ardent enthusiasts are concerned over the selection of Keller as the Cycling Federation representative. This although the talented Elijah Greene got the nod for the top cyclist of the year, 2005 following a series of impressive performances. Members of the newly appointed executive are also staying tight-lipped about the situation although not totally agreeing with the choice. However when contacted, Cycling Federation president Frank Gittens said Keller has been confirmed as the nation’s top cyclist based on his performance internationally.

He said the cyclist chosen to stand as a representative for the federation is usually selected based on international performances. “If in the year there is no significant performances from our cyclists on the international circuit, then the top cyclist will be chosen from local performances,” Gitten said yesterday. Keller who is the son of cycling enthusiast Caryl Keller, was said to have gotten the nod from a number of cyclists for the top spot, including the impressive Elijah Greene, Ronald Peters and another veteran, Dick Ramchand. In a recent media release Keller was said to have advanced to the tenth position in the world on the cycling ratings. However, a member of the federation who wishes to remain anonymous, has revealed that Keller’s rating was taken from the Pan American Championship rankings and not the world rating as was announced.

Only recently the elder Keller (Caryl) who is employed with the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs announced that Government would construct a first class, state of the art cycledrome on the Foreshore at a cost of a whopping $20 million. Construction of the facility is expected to begin early next month and will be used to host international cycling events. The facility is expected to assist in the development of local cyclists. Cycling Federation president Gittens said his federation received a document which was printed from the Union Cycling International (UCI) website which showed that Keller had been rated tenth on the Pan American Championship. According to Gittens, the document was received either in October or November of this year. He said the federation again checked the website soon after and saw that Keller had dropped to 26th. The latest squabbling in the federation, observers say reeks of “politics” that has been plaguing the organisation for some time and is doing more harm that good to the sport. However Keller (Azikwe) and his brother Ako were described as two extremely talented cyclists who have a bright future ahead in cycling.