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.

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.