Oceania Cycling family welcomes American Samoa
At the Annual Congress of the International Cycling Union (UCI) held in Glasgow on August 3, American Samoa were admitted as the newest member of the UCI and the Oceania cycling family.
Oceania Cycling Confederation (OCC) President, Tony Mitchell, received the membership certificate on behalf of American Samoa Cycling Federation (ASCF) Foundation President, Michael McDonald. Mitchell said he was delighted to welcome Michael and his team on board and looked forward in particular, to supporting ASCF’s junior development initiatives.
Michael and ASCF Secretary, Paula Stevenson-McDonald, also expressed their excitement in joining the Pacific cycling family and presenting cycling as another sporting opportunity for American Samoa’s youth.
Pacific Cycling development snapshots
The second Pacific Cup (road cycling) is shaping up to be another successful competition for Pacific Island federations. At least seven nations will contest this year’s Pacific Cup, being hosted by Tahiti on Friday 15 (Time Trial) and Saturday 16 (Road Race) September. A highlight will be Cook Islands and possibly the Solomon Islands competing for the first time. The Pacific Cup is being underpinned by Solidarity funding from the International Cycling Union.
Cook Islands Cycling Federation have overcome COVID delays and funding challenges to finally start construction on their BMX Pump Track. 
Samoan Cycling have combined resources with Samoan Triathlon to provide skill development on bikes with over 50 high school-age riders taking part in regular programs. Oceania Cycling is supporting this initiative with the impending delivery of a further eight reconditioned road bikes.
The Vanuatu cycling community have been conducting their first BMX racing events, adapting a modified version of competition on a soccer field.
Fiji’s junior talent focus is reaping benefits after they sent young riders to the Commonwealth Youth Games for the first time.