Bring it on! ...Finnikin unfazed by rumours of presidential challenge

Word from the cycling community is that current Jamaica Cycling Federation president Kirk Finnikin will face a massive challenge to return for a second term, with a well-known businessman rumoured to be throwing his hat in the ring for the role of head of the association. But Finnikin, who is completing his first term, said he is unfazed and welcomes any challenge.

However, Finnikin pledged to give his support to the new president if ousted and said that if this happened, he would help his replacement to make a smooth transition to office if needed.

"I have heard it (rumour of the unknown candidate's challenge), and I have been keeping my ears to the ground, but if there is a challenger, there is nothing wrong with someone coming and offering their time to serve their country. It's a wonderful opportunity, and I wouldn't deny anyone who is seeking to do the same for their country," he said.

Finnikin said that all challengers have one week before the annual general Meeting to submit their nomination, and he believes that that would be enough time to prepare for any possible opponent.

RESEARCH TIME

"A week will afford me time to research," he said. "I haven't evaluated my chances, so I have to examine the cycling community to get some feedback. The challengers have, constitutionally, one week before the date of the election to present themselves as a potential candidate for the presidency. But to date, we have not received any. So we are not sure of what is the construct of that challenge, but if the experience of the individual is such that the reins can be handed over, we have no problem."

Finnikin said that he is pleased with his accomplishments after two years in office and looks forward to continuing the work he started.

"Cycling has developed. It has a way to go, but I am grateful just to contribute as best as possible to the further growth of the sport.

"The cycling community wants different things from its leadership, and there are certain things that take time to get right. But we keep racing interest at all levels buoyant and active, and we are providing the (administrative) team with the right support because you can have the right man, but you must surround him with the right people to make things work," he added.