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National Cyclist Darel Christopher Jr gets offer to join French pro team

- seeking sponsorship to take up offer that could see him take part in Tour de France
Virgin Islands’ top national cyclist Darel Christopher Jr has been offered an opportunity to join a French professional cycling team, which could also open the possibility for Christopher to take part in the world-renowned Tour de France. Photo: GIS/File
Darel Christopher Jr taking up the opportunity to join a French professional cycling team, Sprinter Nice Metropole, based in Nice, France will depend on sponsorship received and he has, as a result, turned to home for help. Photo: Internet Source/File
Darel Christopher Jr taking up the opportunity to join a French professional cycling team, Sprinter Nice Metropole, based in Nice, France will depend on sponsorship received and he has, as a result, turned to home for help. Photo: Internet Source/File
ATLANTA, USA- Virgin Islands’ top national cyclist Darel Christopher Jr has been offered an opportunity to join a French professional cycling team, which could also open the possibility for Christopher to take part in the world-renowned Tour de France.

Monetary sponsorship needed

Christopher taking up the opportunity will depend on sponsorship received and he has, as a result, turned to home for help, according to the BVI Cycling Federation (BVICF).

“As a result of his dedication to cycling and his accomplishments Darel has been offered an opportunity to join a French professional cycling team, Sprinter Nice Metropole, based in Nice, France. The team 2022 season kicks off in November 2021 as they seek to qualify for the pinnacle of cycling championships, the Tour de France, in 2022,” a press release from the BVICF on October 13, 2021, stated.

Opportunity to ride in Tour de France

The BVICF said the financial support of the Virgin Islands community is greatly needed and appreciated as Darel continues to promote the Virgin Islands through sports.

“Your [monetary] contributions will assist in Darel becoming the first BVI national to ride with a European team with the prospects of participating in the Tour de France.”

It said businesses or persons sponsoring Christopher will have their names and logos on his riding outfits, tour bus, car, and truck as well as on the team’s website and at the team headquarters.

In addition, BVICF said sponsors will be invited to witness races and have access to the sports director of the team.

“They will also have the opportunity to participate in meetings with other team partners. All the team races will be televised on Eurosport, Lequipe TV and can be followed on Facebook, thereby providing international brand visibility for sponsors,” the BVICF said.

Exploits of Christopher Jr

According to the BVICF, Darel Christopher Jr left the Virgin Islands for the United States in 2010 to pursue the dream of becoming a professional cyclist.

It added that over the years Christopher Jr has trained tirelessly and competed in both road races and indoor track (velodrome) races.

On three different occasions, Christopher won the George State Velodrome Championship; however, his premier event is road racing.

Darel has competed in several South American road races including the Pan-American Road Cycling Championship.

During all his races, according to the BVICF, he had to compete as an individual cyclist without any team support; whereas other countries had teams comprising of up to eight cyclists.

“Although placed at a disadvantage from the onset he was able to rack up some remarkable finishes over the years that led The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to recognise him as a pro cyclist in 2018. He also competed in the UCI Road World Championship in Inns Brooks, AUSTRIA in 2018.”

How to sponsor Christoper?

For further information about the opportunity for Darel and on how to sponsor him, persons can contact the following persons: Clifton Forbes via telephone at 1 (284) 499 3816 or cliftoncycle@yahoo.co.uk or Darel Christopher Senior BVI Cycling federation President at 1 (284) 440 3111 or dandmark@surfbvi.com. Patlian Johnson at 1 (284) 300 3148.

19 Responses to “National Cyclist Darel Christopher Jr gets offer to join French pro team”

  • Hmmmm (14/10/2021, 17:51) Like (30) Dislike (6) Reply
    One mans thrash is another treasure. Spend too much time destroying our own vs trying to help them. Look how another country sees the potential in this young man & willing to invest in his future....
    • Hmm (14/10/2021, 18:20) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
      Congratulations Darel.
      I am not really sure why the BVI should be paying you - if you are joining a pro team, won't they be paying you?
      • x (15/10/2021, 14:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        You don't understand how it works. Actually, I don't understand how it works either.
  • Sue said it (14/10/2021, 18:24) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Congrats to you young man, all the best to you. And I will agree with Hmmm’s comment. And when another Country invest in one of our own and they become a success, everyone want bragging rights.
  • hmm (14/10/2021, 18:33) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    All I can say is awesome.. Spread your wings and fly to the stars young man.

    BVI Government chooses to waste money on useless "advisors" and largesse while its greatest resource its people slips through its fingers...honestly I don't even think they care
    • right (15/10/2021, 07:29) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      they love our people few hours before an election once in office they kick us to the curve

      understand this
      the residents of the territory been driving on roadways filled with wild bush

      suddenly most of the bush gone
      because the cruise ships are back!!!!

      why
      can't the territory be kept clean always
  • The watchdog (14/10/2021, 18:37) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the best young man
  • Nice (14/10/2021, 21:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    always lovely to see some positive vibes making the headlines in our country
  • Lucifer (15/10/2021, 08:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI has perfect conditions for training future cyclists with its climate and hills and would be good to see some programs in place to to encourage the youth to follow in this young mans footsteps rather than clowning around on their noisy scooters. The athletes that represent us are only able to reach a high level due to training outside of the territory in the US. Would much rather the government put money into developing coaching courses and training facilities than lining the pockets of alleged political consultants.
  • All the best (15/10/2021, 08:15) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Daryl!!
  • @ NICE (15/10/2021, 08:30) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    YES ITS REALLY NICE WHEN WE CAN READ SOME HOME GROWN NEWS , INSTEAD OF READING NEWS OF BORIS AND HIS SON IN THE UK / THIS IS MORE CONSTRUCTIVE AND POSITIVE , KEEP IT UP - PLEASE THANK YOU
  • All the best (15/10/2021, 08:35) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations! Guys, lets be positive say congrats and keep it moving.
  • swag (15/10/2021, 09:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    ivan dawson massive...long time aint see this dude
  • BVI love (15/10/2021, 09:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a pro to move forward I would sell some land and invest in my son.
  • 2022 Tour de France (15/10/2021, 10:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Next years TDF will feature several races on the old Roman cobblestone roads in France. D. Christopher's riding and training experience on the poorly paved roads of the BVI is certainly an advantage for him in next years TDF!
  • question (15/10/2021, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Will Shawonde be going to france for a weekend?
  • Guy Hill Oly LA84' (16/10/2021, 06:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Always continue to do and be your very best. Good luck. Good health.Be brave


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