New body to promote cycle sport

A new Cook Island cycling governing body has been set up to promote the sport and support talented local athletes.

The sport of cycling has been active on Rarotonga for a long time but has lacked a governing body.

Two previous attempts to form a federation were unsuccessful, but it was third time lucky, as the Cook Islands Cycling Federation has now been formed. It will give cyclists that are not triathletes the chance to compete nationally and internationally.

There are two main annual cycling events on Rarotonga the Tour de Raro round island cycle, which is part of the triathlon week, and the long-running round island cycle, part of the Kumete Sports programme. Other cycling events have been held loosely, with no annual structure, but this looks set to change with the new governing body.

Myra Moller is one talented cyclist who will benefit from the federation.

Moller, who is Teniinii Bishops daughter, was one of New Zealands top mountain bikers and represented the Cook Islands at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, under the NZ banner.

She has turned to road cycling and has been doing well in Australia where she is now living. While she wishes to compete for the Cook Islands, the country must have a cycling federation for her to do so, to meet International Cycling Union rules.

The federation will also entitle Cook Islands cyclists to compete at the Pacific Games as well as world champs, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games.

The federation aims to encourage cycling as a means of transport, fun, and sport, and will teach necessary skills and respect for bikes.

To continue wheels rolling, another bike skills session will be held this Saturday at the grounds at Takitumu Primary School, starting at 3pm.

For those of you who may not feel as confident on a cycle as you would like, this will be what you need, and those who do feel competent are still likely to benefit from the session.

Please bring your bike, drink bottle and preferably a helmet.

For any groups, clubs and businesses that would like to have their own private session at any other day or time, please make arrangements by calling Kevin on 50120.

- CICF