The Elevation Cycling Club has delivered a timely and tangible boost to Jamaica’s cycling community, donating approximately 80 pairs of cycling shoes valued at more than US$8,000 to support the sport’s grassroots and competitive development.
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The donation, aimed at easing one of the sport’s most significant barriers to entry, was distributed among several key beneficiaries, including the Jamaica Cycling Federation (JCF), Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club, One Piece Cycling Club, and Dillies Cycle World, among others.
Formal presentation, lasting significance
The official handover took place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during a formal presentation ceremony at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat headquarters on the outskirts of Old Harbour.
More than a symbolic gesture, the event underscored a growing commitment within Jamaica’s cycling fraternity to address equipment shortages that often prevent young and aspiring riders from fully participating in the sport.
Federation applause for development leadership
Jamaica Cycling Federation First Vice President Kamar Jordan praised the Old Harbour–based club for its leadership role in revitalizing cycling locally and setting a benchmark for development-driven initiatives.
“Receiving these [pairs of shoes] can help persons who want to enter the sport… can motivate or enhance them,” Jordan said. “We have a lot of things in the pipeline from a federation standpoint and we will really work on them to make it a success. But we really have to give flowers where it’s due to the Elevation Cycling Club for setting the tone and leading in Jamaica as the best cycling club when it comes on to development of youth.”
Excellence on the road, commitment off it
Founded in 2021, Elevation Cycling Club has quickly earned a reputation as the island’s most successful cycling organization. The club currently counts three national senior elite road champions among its ranks, Barrington Bailey, Jerome Forrest, and Melvin McFarlane.
Its depth of talent extends to the youth level, highlighted by 19-year-old standout Jaequan Dixon, a three-time national junior champion and the reigning national under-23 titleholder.
Behind the scenes: Making the donation possible
Andrew Hancel, an executive member of the club, emphasized that the initiative was the result of collective effort and strategic partnerships.
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“This special donation was made possible by the efforts of our president Velana Creary and our partner Major Taylor Iron Riders,” Hancel said. “And so I must say a huge thank you to our president Velana Creary; Alton Duhaney, vice president; Taneish Dixon, secretary; Mrs. Dereka Hendon-Barnes; and the entire Major Taylor Iron Riders team. We are extremely grateful.”
He added that Elevation’s mission extends well beyond its own membership.
“Also of significant importance is that we at Elevation Cycling Club pride ourselves as being more than just about our club. We recognize very early that the sport is in need of massive support and where possible we will seek to play our part in advancing that agenda.”
Tackling a major barrier to entry
Hancel highlighted the high cost of cycling footwear as a persistent obstacle for aspiring riders across the island.
“Our partners, both local and overseas, are well aware of the challenges facing cycling in Jamaica, and having proper footwear is one of the plethora of issues we are seeking to address,” he said. “The minimum price for a pair of cycling shoes is US$100, while cleats worn by elite riders cost up to US$500 per pair. So you can do the math.”
“Very, very few riders here in Jamaica, especially those trying to get into the sport, can afford this, and so by donating these shoes it is indeed a significant step in the right direction for the sport.”
Grassroots clubs feel the immediate difference
The impact of the donation is already being felt at the community level. Merrington Hall, founder of the One Piece Cycling Club in Hayes, Clarendon, expressed appreciation after receiving 10 pairs of shoes.
“It has so far enabled the club to start getting some more youngsters into the system,” Hall said. “And with all these donations it will go a far way because even this morning a little guy came to me and said him wants to ride and him asking me to assist him. Overall, it’s a great boost and I am so thankful for all the donations that I have received.”
Kevin Dillon, owner of Dillies Cycle World in Spanish Town, echoed those sentiments.
“Young youths always come into my bicycle shop and when they visit I can give them a pair of shoes,” Dillon said. “A lot of them can’t afford it and this can mean a lot to help boost them and encourage them to ride. So, I’m grateful today for this presentation.”
Through strategic generosity and a clear vision for development, Elevation Cycling Club continues to demonstrate that meaningful progress in sport often begins not on the podium, but with access, opportunity, and the right equipment at the grassroots level.