Rigtech Sonics Cycle Club has spent more than three decades producing national representatives, Commonwealth Games athletes and Olympians, but head coach Roger Frontin believes the club’s greatest achievement is much simpler.
“We teach all riders to ride and enjoy their bicycles, have fun with their friends and give them the freedom to explore,” Frontin said.
“The majority of them between the ages of five and 10 are not really interested in competition. They’re more interested in having fun racing and competing with their friends. Safety is paramount because they’re travelling at some speed, so we provide a safe and comfortable environment where every rider can reach their goals.”
That philosophy has guided the south Trinidad club since it was founded by Noel Luces in 1991.
Over the years Sonics has developed some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognisable cyclists, including Olympians Njisane Phillip and Nicholas Paul, Commonwealth Games representative Akiel Campbell, professional rider Teniel Campbell, Tyler Cole, Mark and Jude Codrington, Keron Bramble and Rudy Ashton.
While international success has become synonymous with the club, Frontin said the programme has always focused on developing children before athletes.
“We incorporate our cycling activities with academics, discipline, teamwork and even the ability to handle disappointment,” Frontin explained. “We also try to teach etiquette and manners. It’s about developing the individual in a holistic way.”
That philosophy has also extended beyond the cycling track. Frontin recalled the club’s long-standing partnership with St Sylvan’s Anglican Primary School after teachers noticed improved academic performances from one of the club’s young riders.
The collaboration eventually led to the creation of a cycling programme at the school, with many students later joining Sonics. “It really shows how simple it is for a cycling club to partner with a school,” Frontin said. “You could get numerous young children involved in the sport.”
Frontin’s own involvement with the club came unexpectedly. Originally interested in motorsports, he first visited Skinner Park simply looking for a recreational activity for his children.
There he met Luces, whose vision for youth development convinced him to become involved. “I took my kids to Skinner Park just to enjoy riding bicycles,” Frontin recalled.
“We met Noel and before you knew it they were entering events. Noel had a real passion for youth development and shared his vision for the sport with me. My involvement started through my children doing recreational riding before they eventually became competitive.”
Today, Frontin continues that vision as vice-president and head coach.
Based at Skinner Park in San Fernando, Sonics attracts riders from across south Trinidad, including Palo Seco, Point Fortin and Carapichaima, while also drawing members from central and north Trinidad.
However, the club has faced challenges following the closure of the Skinner Park cycling facility. Frontin said the club stores bicycles and equipment at the venue and has traditionally used the track to introduce children to cycling in a controlled environment.
“The roads are extremely dangerous and we try to avoid taking youngsters onto them unless they have enough experience,” he said. “We’re still extremely cautious because safety comes first.”
The closure has also prevented the club from carrying out activities such as motor pacing sessions for advanced riders.
Although the Arima Velodrome is available, Frontin said regular use is difficult because of the travel time from San Fernando and the need to secure bookings around other scheduled events.
Despite those challenges, Frontin believes the club remains well positioned under president David Voisin to continue producing both talented cyclists and responsible young adults.
More than 35 years after Luces established the club, youngsters continue to arrive each week eager to learn to ride, make friends and enjoy the sport.
For Frontin, medals and national jerseys remain welcome rewards, but they have never been the primary objective. His measure of success is ensuring every child who joins Sonics leaves with greater confidence, discipline and a lifelong love of cycling.