T&T Cycling Federation (TTCF) president Robert Farrier wants national endurance cyclist Emile Abraham to help the young national endurance riders, after Abraham announced on Sunday that he will retire from the sport.
Abraham, 41, made the announcement at the final prize presentation and farewell lime when the Tobago International Cycling Classic concluded on Sunday. Abraham's last outing for the national team will be the Caribbean Road Championships in Barbados on October 17 and 18.
Farrier, who described Abraham's career as outstanding, wants to utilise the veteran's expertise.
Farrier said: "I like to see people of his stature give back to the sport. I will have a discussion with him soon about bringing endurance riders to the level of the sprinters. He has the knowledge to give back, he can put his knowledge to use." Farrier added the TTCF will discuss how it will reward Abraham for his service to the sport.
The TTCF president is counting on the younger cyclists to fill Abraham's shoes. "We have depth in that (endurance) area, especially in the young riders such as omnium riders Akil Campbell and Varun Maharajh. It's time for them to step up and fill his shoes."
A lot is expected of national junior cyclist Tyler Cole, who won the overall division two title at the four-stage Tobago International Cycling Classic.
Farrier respects Abraham for competing at a high level until his announcement. "It will be good if he could share his secrets with everyone. He has done well to compete at a high level for so many years."
Former top national cyclist Gene Samuel said Abraham's retirement did not come as a surprise. Samuel said: "It does not come as a surprise, he has been easing up for the last two years. All good things come to an end. He is our best road rider currently."
Samuel also believes the future is bright. "There are a lot of youngsters coming up such as my son Gevan, but I think Emile is a level ahead and I am sorry to see him retire but he will be around to encourage the young riders."
The former sprint cyclist believes Abraham still has the ability to compete at a top level and he proved that at the UCI Tour of Tobago on Sunday when he was the only T&T cyclist to finish the gruelling 120km race. "Emile has been racing on the North American Pro Circuit. It is a mental thing, physically he is still able. He was the only T&T cyclist to finish yesterday." Abraham finished 17th overall in the Tour of Tobago event.
The Tour of Tobago is a UCI-sanctioned event, therefore top international riders come to Tobago to compete. Samuel hopes he is rewarded for his efforts. "Something should be done, he has flown the flag for many years."
