4 Jun 2015

Sport: Samoan cycle teams to compete in US endurance event

8:59 am on 4 June 2015

Samoa is to enter two teams in the Race Across America endurance cycling event next year, which runs for 3000 miles from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, just outside of Washington DC.

The entry has been 12 months in the making with team captain, Daniel Afoa one of three local riders, alongside Darren Young and Elia Lasa.

He hopes their entry will have a major positive influence in the awareness, development and creating future opportunities for locals in both cycling and triathlons.

New Zealand duo Paul Glen and Katheren Leither and Mariusz Mazur of Poland will also be at the start line, with two other riders to be confirmed.

The entry is for four cyclists per team, each, with its own support crew of 10, including drivers, a masseuse, doctor, nutritionist, bike mechanic, media spokesperson and backup staff.

Daniel Afoa says priority was given to Samoan riders, both local and overseas, but selection came down to affordability, with riders required to stump up US$6000 plus flights and support crew

US$3000.

Each rider face a gruelling training schedule for the next 12 months which includes competing in four to six Ironman events.

Samoa is entering a team in the Race Across America for the first time.

Samoa is entering a team in the Race Across America for the first time. Photo: Supplied