JAMAICA's cycling team has returned to the island after competing at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with a mix of determination and a clear vision for the future. Although the squad left the event without any medals, their performances provided a glimpse of potential while also highlighting major obstacles that must be overcome if the country wants to compete more effectively in regional and international competitions. The athletes’ efforts revealed both individual progress and the systemic challenges that continue to hinder national-level success.
Breakthroughs in key events
One standout at the games was Andrew Ramsay, whose eighth-place finish in the Men’s Omnium marked a key highlight for the Jamaican squad. Speaking after the event, Ramsay attributed his performance to a change in his training approach, shifting his focus more toward track-specific preparation. This shift, he explained, has helped him improve his skills, and he feels more confident about his chances in upcoming events. As one of the team’s most consistent performers, Ramsay is seen as a key player in Jamaica’s quest to move into podium contention in future competitions.
Llori Sharpe also made a significant impact, particularly in the Elite Women’s category. She finished 11th in the Individual Time Trial, followed by a 14th-place result in the grueling Individual Road Race. Her performances demonstrated that emerging talent in the women’s squad is starting to rise, and with the right support, Sharpe and others like her could be part of a stronger national presence in the sport. These results are an encouraging sign for the future of Jamaica’s women's cycling program.
Equipment and facilities lag behind
Despite these individual accomplishments, the athletes’ feedback painted a worrying picture of the conditions under which they must compete. Andrew Ramsay pointed out that one of the biggest disadvantages they face is the lack of a world-class velodrome in Jamaica. Without such a facility, track cyclists are unable to train consistently in the environment they will eventually race in during major events. This lack of infrastructure, combined with the absence of modern, specialized equipment, puts Jamaican cyclists at a clear disadvantage compared to their regional rivals.
The problem, as Ramsay explained, is that many of the top teams in neighboring countries have access to both the facilities and the equipment necessary to fine-tune their skills. This means that when Jamaican riders step onto those tracks or into those events, they are essentially trying to close a gap that has already been widened. Without proper training tools, it is difficult to match the performance of teams that have had years of development in this area. For Jamaica, upgrading its training facilities and equipment is not just a suggestion—it is a necessity if the country wants to remain competitive.
Personal resolve keeps the momentum alive
Demar Golding, a dedicated member of the Jamaica Defence Force and a key figure in the cycling community, reflected on his participation in the sprints. While he admitted he felt uncomfortable in that category, he emphasized that he gave his best for the national team. Golding has been a mainstay in Jamaica’s cycling program since 2017, when he made his debut at the Pan Am Games. His commitment to the sport, along with his resilience at the CAC Games, demonstrates the kind of dedication that could inspire the next generation of cyclists.
Daniel Palmer, competing in his second CAC Games, provided a similar perspective. He acknowledged that he could have arrived in better physical condition, but he was proud of what he was able to achieve. These kinds of attitudes—combined with the raw talent and growing skill seen across the team—offer a strong base for future progress. If Jamaica can address the infrastructural and funding gaps, the current near-miss finishes could soon become podium placements in upcoming events.