One of the island’s top young cyclist, Emanuel Gayral, left the island on Saturday for Italy on a scholarship to improve his chances of becoming a professional rider.
Gayral will be on a three-month training programme in Italy with the Zappi Racing Team and, if successful, will be part of a team to take part in a UCI Giro Under-23 race.
From that race there is a ninety per cent chance that he can get a pro contract. The scholarship involves boarding, meals, nutrition, and transportation. Also included are training, use of equipment, uniform/apparel and event/racing.
The twenty-one-year-old, who began racing since the age of thirteen, said he is excited about the venture. “I am an enthusiastic, hardworking athlete who is looking forward to make the best of this opportunity,” noted Gayral while he stood outside the V.C Bird International airport awaiting his flight.
Gayral said cycling is his life and he has made it an obligation to be successful.
