The second edition will be held in Madagascar next year

The Association of Cycling Federations and Commissions of the Indian Ocean Region (AFCRCOI) is now operational. On Monday, July 1, the presidents and managers of the Indian Ocean islands participating in the region’s first cycling championships gathered at Grand Bay Estate for their inaugural general meeting to approve the creation of this instance.

This fills a gap in the organization of events and the promotion of regional cycling. Its goal is to build a solid foundation that future generations can rely on, to create a legitimate platform and driving force for truly sustainable development of cycling in the region, to establish itself as a unifying body for all competent authorities and to make its voice heard in the regions. The level of the main international forums has the appropriate tools to seek the necessary funds and set a specific budget for the event.

The AFCRCOI will be responsible for the management of the Indian Ocean Islands Cycling Championships. The promoters talk about starting a new era for the little queen and, most importantly, leaving a solid legacy for the coming years. The Championships are recognized by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the new body is also looking for international links. The aim is to give countries that rarely have the opportunity to participate in events with the UCI logo. These are some of the advantages and benefits of the new association, which were welcomed by all the delegates present.

The discussions also focused on the formation of the new office and the organization of the next championship. This exercise was carried out by mutual agreement. If the exact names have not yet been specified, the positions to be filled, while the registration formalities are not yet completed and the elections are about to take place in the majority of federations and regional committees, will be held by the different countries present in this first session. Thus, Madagascar will be the President, Reunion as Vice-President, Seychelles as the Finance Minister, the Comoros representative will be the Assistant Secretary and Mauritius will be in charge of the Secretariat and headquarters of the AFCRCOI.

Madagascar has also been entrusted with organizing the next Championship in 2025. This decision was well received by the President of the Malagasy Cycling Federation, Jean-Claude Relaha. Taking into account the different peculiarities of the specific event calendars of the member countries, it is proposed to hold the competition in late August to early September. The program categories are as follows: Elite – U23, U17, U19. The next edition will focus on the inclusion of the women’s competition. Each country has been invited to start preparing runners of all levels immediately. In addition, a firm commitment has been made to ensure that all the appropriate conditions are met to make the upcoming activities and events of AFRCOI a success.

In a press release: COM confirms Christopher Lagane’s selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Mauritius Olympic Committee (COM) has confirmed in a press release that Christopher Lagane has been selected for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11). In a letter signed by Secretary General Hedley How Foo Kiong Han Mui, it reads: “The Mauritius Olympic Committee (MOC) wishes to update the sports media on the latest developments in the disagreement between the Mauritius Cycling Federation (FMC) and the Mauritius Olympic Committee.”

The author of the press release said that the FMC steering committee explained its choice and that the president of the federation, Jean-Philippe Lagane, apologized “For all grievances raised during this period”. The complainant reviewed the situation and accepted his apology. COM SG added that in view of this resolution, “We confirm that the athletes representing Mauritius in cycling at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be Christopher Rougier Lagane, Kimberley Le Court de Billot and Aurélie Halbwachs”. All’s well that ends well, one can’t help but say…