Cycling-Ricky Watts passes away |24 December 2005

Born in Madras, India, Watts a former soldier with the Royal Navy in England, came to Seychelles on November 29, 1977.

He joined Seychelles cycling in the early 1980s and in 1987 became a member of the Seychelles Cycling Association.

He was a very active member and in 1988 took over the job of national team coach.
According to former cyclist Lucas Georges, who had Watts as coach, the late coach's aim was to see Seychelles beat Mauritius one day in cycling.

His dream came true in 1990 when Gustave Siméon and Lucas Georges won a stage each in a classic competition comprising three races against Mauritian opponents.

Georges went on to become the first Seychellois to win a stage in the annual Tour de Maurice  in 1991.
A fervent supporter of six-time Tour de France  winner American Lance Armstrong, Watts retired from cycling in 1991.

Sports Nation  expresses its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Ricky Watts.

F. M.