Goldson

Paul Goldson, founder of Jamaica by Bike, has called on the government to take cycling seriously.

Goldson, who was speaking at Tuesday night's Jamaica by Bike Negril Ride Challenge launch at the NCB Wellness and Recreation Centre, said: "Cycling is something I believe has a lot of potential and the government has a responsibility.

"... And I am going to challenge the government to understand this medium can provide the glory just like Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, Brigitte Foster-Hylton.

"Cycling is the only other Olympic medal provided to this country other than athletics sport," he argued.

Challenge to the gov't

David Weller, at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, won bronze in the 1000 metres time trial.

"I am challenging this government to recognise the importance of cycling," added Goldson, who believes greater support would help to reduce health problems.

He also called on the government to declare the shoulders on the highways as bike paths.

"We want them to take the Jamaican Cycling Federation seriously ... it's underfunded but there are many opportunities," added Goldson.

Meanwhile, next Saturday's Negril Ride Challenge, which will be in aid of charities, the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre and the University of the West Indies Intensive Care Unit, will see 150 of the island's cyclists participating. The event is slated to start at 4 a.m. at the NCB Atrium.

Top cyclists

Tinga Turner, Shanquelle Sinclair, Goldson, Michael Daley, Vaughn Phang and Ricardo Lynch are the top cyclists down for the contest, which will have five rest stations - Total gas station Clarendon Park, NCB Mandeville branch, Total, Santa Cruz; Total, Luana in St Elizabeth; NCB, Savanna-la-mar branch and ends at the NCB branch in Negril.

According to Brand Manager Ayanna Kirton, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, will also donate $100,000 to each of the charities.

Thalia Lyn, chairman of NCB Foun-dation, said her organisation will donate from $100 up to a maximum of $50,000 towards the event's charity for every rider who finishes the challenge and sings the foundation's graffiti board.

Vernon James, vice-president of client services at main sponsor NCB Capital Markets, said they are fully behind the challenge.