Jersey cyclists face exclusion from Games

FIVE of Jersey's top cyclists fear they could miss the Island Games after being kicked out of the Caesarean Cycling Club. The riders - Chris Spence, Sam Firby, Dave Jardine, Andy Hamon and Jamie Barker - were expelled following what was described as 'boisterous' behaviour at the club's annual dinner.

They are now worried about their future because, they say, they cannot qualify for the Games, which are to be held in the Shetland Islands this summer, without competing in club races in the island. And if they are not club members, they believe that they will not be allowed to race.

There are confused messages coming from the CCC on the issue. Club president Alan Miller said: 'There's nothing to stop them entering our races - all the events are open.'

But secretary Gordon Wright said: 'There's nothing in the rules that would bar them from racing - but there's nothing that says they can. These are circumstances which we've not been in before. We let visitors from clubs outside the island ride, but on a long-term basis, I'm not sure - you wouldn't let someone play for a football team if they'd not signed on.

'We'll soon be having a meeting and it's something we'll have to thrash out.'

Jardine, Spence and Firby were part of the Jersey team which won two silver medals at the Guernsey Island Games.

The suspensions could also hit the five's plans for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006. Spence competed in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and Manchester in 2002; Firby rode in Manchester.

The riders are mystified by the decision to expel them and say that although they each wrote to the club several weeks ago asking for an explanation, they have not received a reply.

'I wish I knew what was going on,' said Firby.

'We've all written to the club asking why we have been kicked out and so has our lawyer. But they've not responded to any of us. It sums up their ignorance.

'We're still in training for the Island Games because they mean a lot to us and we are the basis of the Island Games team. But if you're not a member of a club, they can stop you riding in the qualifying races and if you don't qualify, you can't go to the Games.

'All we did was have a few drinks: they seemed to object to someone drinking lager out of one of the trophies. We weren't even that drunk - it's so petty.'

Asked if he and the others had considered joining Jersey's other cycling organisation, Velo Club, Firby said: 'I don't feel as though I should have to join Velo. I don't feel we did that much wrong. All the lads feel that way.

'We've still not been given a reason why we've been kicked out. It's a disgrace.'

Miller said: 'We've not been able to reply because people at the club have been away. But there is a meeting in the next couple of weeks and it will be on the agenda then.'