The UCI/WCC Satellite Centre in Couva, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), officially opened its Track and Road Training Camp and UCI Coaching Course on 29 June 2026 at the UCI Continental Development Satellite Centre, National Cycling Velodrome, Couva, bringing together athletes, coaches, technical experts, and stakeholders from Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean.

The programme forms part of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) development initiative, which aims to strengthen cycling throughout the region through athlete and coach development while enhancing technical expertise and knowledge sharing.

Athletes and coaches representing Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago are participating in the programme, demonstrating a strong regional commitment to advancing the sport.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from Rowena Williams, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation, Vice President of the Caribbean Zone (COPACI), Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), and Vice President of the Caribbean Cycling Union. Remarks were also delivered by Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, and Justin Latapy-George, Head of Development within the Sport Development and Performance Unit of SportTT.

Participants were introduced to Steve McEwen, Development Manager of the UCI Satellite Centre, who brings more than two decades of experience in developing high-performance programmes and long-term athlete development systems designed to prepare athletes for World Championship and Olympic competition.

They were also officially welcomed by Julien Nunes, UCI Coaching Expert, before receiving an overview of the training camp and coaching course. Following introductions by the participating athletes and coaches, the camp was officially declared open.

Addressing participants, TTCF President Rowena Williams encouraged athletes and coaches to maximise the opportunity and embrace every aspect of the programme.

"Developing yourself for your future is of extreme importance. Take the learnings as you go,"

Williams said.

She also encouraged participants to challenge themselves, build meaningful relationships, and exchange knowledge throughout the camp.

"This programme is an opportunity not only to improve performance but to continue building the future of cycling throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean."

TTOC President Diane Henderson highlighted the importance of initiatives that continue to create opportunities for athletes and coaches while strengthening sport development throughout the region.

"We wish everyone a productive, educational, and successful training camp and coaching course. May this programme strengthen cycling throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region while fostering excellence, friendship, and sportsmanship,"

Henderson said.

She further emphasized the transformative power of sport beyond competition.

"Sport has the power to bring people together and create opportunities that extend beyond the field of play. Through initiatives such as these, we continue building pathways that allow athletes and coaches to learn, grow, and realise their full potential."

Henderson, who also serves as a member of Panam Sports, highlighted the strong relationship between the regional sporting body and the TTOC, noting ongoing discussions aimed at advancing sport development initiatives.

"Both Annette Knott and I have participated in several meetings with Panam Sports executives, discussing ways in which we can continue supporting the development of sport, particularly cycling, and further elevate the competitive standard within our country and throughout the region."

Justin Latapy-George commended Panam Sports, the TTOC, COPACI, the UCI, and the TTCF for their continued investment in athlete and coach development.

"Development programmes such as these are essential because they provide athletes and coaches with the tools, support systems, and opportunities necessary for sustained growth and success. Continued collaboration among sporting stakeholders remains critical in creating environments where athletes can thrive."

Over the next ten days, participants will engage in a comprehensive programme that includes orientation, safety and observation sessions, applied physiology, athlete assessments, goal setting, training planning, monitoring and feedback, strength and conditioning, talent identification, race simulations, and practical coaching assessments.

The camp concludes on 11 July 2026 following the completion of the coaching course. Members of the media are invited to attend the closing ceremony, which will take place at the National Cycling Velodrome beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The Couva UCI Satellite Centre continues to serve as an important regional hub for track and road training camps, coaching education, and mechanics courses under the UCI development programme, bringing together athletes and coaches from across the Caribbean and the Americas while strengthening the future of cycling in the region.

TTOC Release