World championship training taking place in New Forest

The Cape Verde cycling team are taking part in a 10-day training camp

Renato Soares and Che Gomes collect their bikes from Giant, Southampton
Author: Jo RawlingsPublished 24th Jul 2023

The Cape Verde national cycling squad is in the New Forest to prepare for next month’s UCI World Cycling Championships.

The six team members from the collection of islands off Africa are taking part in a 10-day training camp.

The squad also plan to cycle around the Isle of Wight – twice – on Wednesday 26 July.

The UCI World Cycling Championships are taking place in Glasgow from 3 – 13 August.

The training camp is being led by Dave Savage, of Fareham-based Dave Savage Sports.

L-R: Dave Savage, Renato Soares and Che Gomes

Dave said: “The Cape Verde team are not here to make up the numbers. They’re very talented riders and they mean business.

“The New Forest training camp will give them the perfect preparation for the championships in Glasgow.

“The cultural differences are vast as will be the terrain but it’s important for the team to adapt as soon as possible ready for the biggest event of their lives.

“The New Forest is so iconic, and I can’t think of a more ideal training location for them. We hope to integrate into the local community and experience what the area has to offer.

“Challenging trials to quick routes, there is something for everyone of our cyclists in the Forest.”

Dave, who competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, added: “The team struggle with funding and support programmes in Cape Verde, so to give them the opportunity to perform on the world stage is a huge privilege.”

Further details can be found here.

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