National cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez and Heatwave Cycling Club have initiated legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) by filing an appeal challenging a recent High Court ruling. The appeal, submitted on January 14, seeks to overturn Justice Westmin James’ January 13 decision that denied their request for an interim injunction to prevent endurance trials scheduled for January 17.
The legal confrontation stems from ongoing disputes regarding the TTCF’s selection methodology for the upcoming Pan American Track Cycling Championships in February. The controversy involves multiple athletes including Costa-Ramirez, Njisane Phillip, and Makaira Wallace from JLD Cycling Academy, all contesting the fairness of the federation’s qualification process.
In their appellate arguments, Heatwave and Costa-Ramirez contend that the trial judge committed legal errors by dismissing their claims. They specifically challenge the court’s determination that some athletes had already submitted performance data without attending trials, and the conclusion that halting the trials would disproportionately harm the federation.
The appellants assert the existence of an implied contractual obligation mandating equitable treatment of all athletes during selection procedures. They further argue that financial compensation cannot adequately remedy the potential loss of opportunity to compete at prestigious international events, particularly with Olympic qualification implications at stake.
The appeal emphasizes that suspending the trials would not adversely affect the federation’s operations, while proceeding could cause irreparable damage to athletes’ careers during this critical Olympic qualification period. The appellants have requested expedited consideration of their appeal under Civil Proceedings Rules Part 64.10, citing the urgent nature of selection deadlines preceding the continental championships.