Brierley aims to make the Seychelles team |08 June 2010
“I was in the breakaway group and the last thing I heard a fellow cyclist say was: ‘Be careful, Simon, the road is wet’ and suddenly I hit a wet patch,” Brierley told Sports Nation.
“I went into the crash barriers and got caught on the railings. I suffered from bruised ribs, but even though I got back on my bike I just could not continue pedalling and had to abandon the race and the Tour.”
Born in Seychelles on February 9, 1979 of British parents Norman and Janet Brierley – who used to work at Feba Radio – Simon Brierley moved to Zimbabwe in 1983 and stayed there until 1997, the year he went to England.
The 31-year-old firefighter, who represents Seychelles in triathlon contests all over the world and wants to launch an association here together with Nick Baldwin, described this weekend’s Mid-Year Tour as good experience but tough at the same time.
“The Tour was tough, and a lot of effort is required to stay with the tough guys up front. There are some very good riders here and I wish them all the best; they should respect each other to have a strong national team.
“I’m not used to doing such tough cycling races, but I’m good at individual time trials and I hope I will be selected to make the Seychelles team for any forthcoming international meet,” said Brierley, who has already entered his name for the Lake Placid Triathlon in the United States on July 25.
Another foreign-based Seychellois rider – Chris Germain – who competes in South Africa, is expected to take part in the National Championship.
G. G.