Adrian Frater, News Editor

National junior cyclist Ricardo Kerr discusses his recent performance in Barbados with Senior Gleaner Writer Janet Silvera, during a visit to The Gleaner's Western Bureau in Montego Bay this week. Kerr placed fourth in the eight mile criterion road race at the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championship. - photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU:

WHILE HE did not come back from last weekend's Caribbean Junior Cycling Championship in Barbados with a medal, 16-year-old Ricardo Kerr is nonetheless elated with his fourth-place finish in the eight-mile criterion road race. "It was my first time representing Jamaica and it was quite a rewarding experience," said the promising Montego Bay-born cyclist. "It was somewhat difficult for me because I was the only Jamaican cyclist at the championship."

Confidence significantly boost

Before his performance in the eight-mile criterion, which was won by the Barbadian Adam Crebbin, Kerr said his confidence got a significant boost when he finished 10th in the qualifying time trial.

With his first international experience now behind him, the affable Kerr, who has another year on the junior circuit, said he is looking forward to a long and distinguish career representing Jamaica. He said he is already setting his sight on a medal at next year's Caribbean Junior Cycling Championship.

"I am planning to do some serious work this year," said Kerr, a student of the Hopewell High School, in Hanover. "I now know what it takes to do well on the international circuit."

In looking back at his short but most encouraging career, young Kerr credits his coach Wayne Smith, who accompanied him to Barbados, with guiding his development and putting him on the right path.

"Coach comes out to training with me in the mornings, and he always ensures that I do things properly," said Kerr. "He says he is going to make a champion out of me, and I will be doing everything to ensure that it happens." Kerr, who is one of five children, said his family is extremely proud of his accomplishments and is solidly behind his bid to be the greatest cyclist in the world.

"Firstly, I want to represent Jamaica at the Olympics, but my ultimate aim is to participate in and win a Tour de France," said the ambitious youngster. "Barbados is just the beginning of what is to come."