Two young cyclists from Dominica have recently competed on the regional stage at the 2026 Caribbean Cycling Championships hosted in the Dominican Republic on October 11, earning praise from national sporting leadership for their dedication and performance. In an exclusive interview with Dominica News Online this Monday, Ronald Charles, president of the Dominica Cycling Association (DCA), extended formal congratulations to competitors Ajani Casimir and Kohath Baron for representing their country at one of the Caribbean’s top cycling events.
Casimir, competing in the fiercely competitive under-23 division, delivered a standout result against 18 other regional riders. He crossed the finish line of the punishing 140-kilometer route in eighth place overall, posting a final time of three hours and 24 minutes. Charles highlighted this finish as a significant milestone for the young athlete, commending his relentless determination and unwavering stamina that carried him through the physically demanding race. The association president emphasized that Casimir’s performance has filled both the DCA and the entire nation of Dominica with pride, and gave special recognition to coach Levi Baron for his meticulous work preparing both athletes for the championship.
In the elite men’s division, Kohath Baron joined the same 140-kilometer course alongside under-23 riders. Charles shared that Baron got off to a strong start, putting in solid performances across the opening three laps of the race that put him in competitive position. However, disaster struck on the fourth lap when Baron accidentally rode into an unmarked hole on the course. The incident left him with a wrist injury that impaired his ability to grip his handlebars, forcing the rider to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition before reaching the finish line.
While Baron’s early exit brought disappointment for team Dominica, Charles framed the outing as a valuable developmental experience for both young athletes. The DCA president reaffirmed the organization’s long-term commitment to nurturing cycling talent across Dominica and growing the sport domestically.
Beyond highlighting the riders’ efforts, Charles also extended formal gratitude to the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) for its critical financial support ahead of the championships. This funding covered all core logistics for the team, including athlete accommodation, cross-border transportation, and competition equipment. Charles personally thanked the DOC president, capacity officer, and all committee staff for their ongoing partnership, noting that this type of institutional support is the foundational factor that allows small-nation athletes like Dominica’s to access and compete at high-profile regional events. Closing out his remarks, Charles restated that both Casimir and Baron represented Dominica with integrity and national pride, and confirmed the DCA will continue investing in training, resources, and competitive opportunities to advance cycling across the country.