May 29, 2006 – This summer, Ironman athlete and founder of OYE! Tours, Gerry Molinolo will cycle 1,200 kilometres across Cuba to attract the attention of Canadian bike shops, cycling enthusiasts and lovers of all-things-Cuban*. Her goal is to take down much needed bikes and equipment for the Academia de Ciclismo in Ciego de Avila. It’s a long ride for a young woman to do all by herself (and the hot Cuban sun to contend with), but Gerry feels strongly about putting in an effort that equals what she is asking for.

“The kids at the Academy have superb coaches and trainers, they have excellent raw talent but they often have to settle for doing lunges and squats in the bare bones gym because they lack something as basic as an inner tube or brake cable”, says Beverley Coburn, 5-time Ironman and a participant in last month’s inaugural OYE! cycling tour.

One of the superb coaches at the Academy is former Cuban National Cycling Team member, Aníbal Torres who won numerous stages in various “Vuelta Ciclística a Cuba” (Cuba’s cross country multiple stage race) from the late 1970s’ to early 80’s. Torres worries that in Cuba’s current economic situation, his province will lose its cycling tradition. “We don’t have access to bikes or new cycling technology. Sure, there are donations from Canada and Europe but most of them are earmarked for Havana, Santiago or Varadero, places that foreigners visit and make lasting friendships”.

Tucked in the middle of Cuba, Ciego’s main attraction is sun destination Cayo Coco; though a Canadian favourite, it caters to the all-inclusive crowd who seldom venture as far inland as capital city, Ciego de Avila.

Once the Academy in Ciego has reached capacity to train a team of 10 riders year round, Ms. Molinolo intends to continue to donate through her future tours to other provinces. It’s all for the love of the sport and human solidarity.

*Gerry Molinolo would like to recognize the generosity of Travelbest Carlson Wagonlit (www.travelbest.ca), EPIC Cycling (www.epiccycling.com), Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop (www.sweetpetes.com), for being the first to sponsor this endeavour. Bikes and parts, bike tools or clothing and monetary donations happily accepted.

For more info contact Gerry Molinolo at 416-417-5360, gerry@oyetours.ca or visit www.oyetours.ca