Sports Minister tells TT Cyclist “You have our fullest support”
The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sports and Community Development calls on Trinidad and Tobago to send virtual support across the ocean to female Cyclist Teniel Campbell, as she prepares to sport the red, white and black for the Women’s Elite Road Race this Saturday ( September 26, 2020)
The Italian-based rider had a tough start to her 2020 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships campaign placing 36th in the Women’s Individual Time Trial on Thursday. Campbell clocked 45minutes 53 seconds to complete the 31.7km against 50 international road cyclists.
The young Campbell, who turned 23 on Wednesday (23 September), was quite disappointed in her performance on the opening day but Sports Minister wants to assure her that she has 100% support from Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Cudjoe sends Teniel her prayers and words of encouragement, “if you believe in yourself, half the battle is won; everyday will not be a good day, but preparation, perseverance, and prayer will always result is personal victory.”
22 year old Campbell also represented this county in the Giro Rosa, which is a grueling 10-day race across the Italian countryside. The race which is described as “ the Battle of the North” is part of the UCI Women’s World Tour and it sees cyclists pushing themselves to the limit covering thousands of kilometers, facing dirt roads, sharp climbs, and summit finishes.
Minister Cudjoe says she has been following Campbell over the years, “ I am proud of the growth and development of this young lady in her sport and as an individual, she has shown commitment and dedication to her craft and her country. We all can emulate her as in spite of the global pandemic she continues to train and compete, she is relentless.”
Campbell successfully advanced through eight of the ten stages of the racing challenge. However, fell short of the time required to continue as a competitor placing 107th. Minister Cudjoe says “win, lose, or draw we celebrate all our athletes as they give of their best in representing this twin-island Republic in the World arena”.
The Minister of Sport applauded Teniel’s perseverance and said she is expecting even greater things from the young cyclist as she continues to give 100 percent in her journey of excellence.
The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development with Teniel Campbell
(Photo courtesy LoopTT)
(Photo courtesy LoopTT)