Perry said: ‘The team was chosen after looking at the performances of the riders in the first few months of this season’s racing and past performances last year.
‘We’ve got a few new riders this year who will be going to their first Island Games including Vince Peron and reserve Adam Wojtkiewicz, both of the Caesarean Cycling Club, but it’s a strong team that has been chosen.
‘We are particularly strong in the time trial again, but the Isle of Man will also be putting forward a good team.’ Sam Firby, CCC, makes a welcome return to the men’s road team after picking up an individual bronze and silver from the Shetland Games in 2005.
Joining him will be Chris Spence and Peron, also from Caesarean, and David Jardine and Richard Tanguy from Vélo Sport Jersey.
While on the women’s road team Jemima ‘Jim’ Davis, VSJ, and Sarah Smith, CCC are a strong medal chance this year after racing to team bronze in Shetland.
Hoping to challenge for medals from the mountain bike team will be James Patterson, who won two individual bronzes in 2005, and Kieron Mills and Robin Ovenden – all CCC.
Perry said: ‘The conditions will certainly be very warm but I’m sure we will be able to handle that, we will just have to be very careful about fluid levels.
‘The team arrives on Wednesday though and the first event for us isn’t until Sunday, the town criterium, which gives us a chance to acclimatise.’ The town criterium race, which is usually the final race of the Games is now the first, but this doesn’t trouble Perry: ‘It shouldn’t cause us any problems,’ he added.
‘We are into our racing season now and there are races every Sunday for this month and in May there will be races on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday as well as other races out of the Island so there’s plenty going on.
‘I’m sure the riders will all be excited about going and I’m very pleased with the team – I think it’s our strongest team ever and there will certainly be medals won.’
