Nineteen-year-old Wilfred Chittick liked to ride his bike as a young boy. It was a BMX, (bicycle motocross.) He rode it everywhere,
Then his father thought the boy should get into sports.
Having no strong interest in any one sport Mr. Chittick signed Wilfred up for Judo. The youngster would learn discipline and self-defense.
Wilfred turned out to be a good athlete. He liked the sport, but it just was not want he wanted
After some deliberation father and son decided to let Wilfred try cycle.
Wilfred took off.
In no time at all he qualified to represent St. Maarten at the Central American and Caribbean Games this summer. A good finish means a trip to the Pan American Games and possible qualification to the Olympics.
“In my first race I did not know anything about tactics or strategy,” said Wilfred. “I just went out took the lead and peddled.”
Needless to say, he found himself the middle of the pack at the finish line. But his new team saw a winner. Cyclone Cycling worked with Wilfred.
He next race was the Green House. He won by just over a minute
Three months later he entered a race in Anguilla. Top riders from around the region participated.
Wilfred with just a little training tore the course up. He won. Second place finished more than 8 minutes behind him.
“I believe it was 8 minutes 15 seconds,” said a proud father.
The next big race was in Grand Case. Wilfred won by more than 9 minutes.
He has since trained in Cuba and his club arranged training in New York.
A graduate of vocational school, Wilfried has his own welding business.
The storm interrupted his training cycle, but Wilfred believes he will be ready for CAC.
“I love riding,” said Wilfred. “Some days I go out and ride for four to five hours.”
