A ‘Sharpe’ blow - Cyclist’s plans for move overseas thwarted after German visa denial

Jamaica Cycling Federation (JCF) President Adrian Clarke vexed at the German embassy after national cyclist Llori Sharpe had her visa application denied a second time on Tuesday.

Sharpe, who recently signed a one-year contract with German women's cycling team Canyon/Sram Generation, was to leave the island on January 13, to start a training camp two days later.

Clarke mentioned the Road World Championships in Belgium in September, when Sharpe, Kevan Pryce, and Brandon Baker were denied visas and missed the event, and he is asking that Sharpe be given this opportunity to advance her career.

"She has signed to a female team based in Germany," Clarke said. "She will be provided with accommodation, salary, training and racing across Europe.

"But we are having a problem. The same problem we had with the team that was supposed to go to the World Championships, not being granted their visas.

"I do not know which Jamaican wants to run off in Europe but they are giving us a warm time with the visa."

Clarke says despite letters from the Jamaica Olympic Association, the Ministry of Sport, and the JCF, the German embassy is still requesting other verification.

"We are not acting as individuals, we are acting as a sporting body," he said. "Yesterday (Tuesday), they were saying they wanted to see things like an outline of salary, and a number of other things, which I think is ridiculous.

"Llori is in her last year at University [of The West Indies] finishing her Bachelor's (in Sports Science) and her parents are business people, so we don't see the reason for denying her.

Clarke said that two European men's teams are interested in two Jamaicans and said it is important that local riders take up these opportunities.

Sharpe, the first Jamaican, and second Caribbean cyclist to land a European contract, says although the situation is unfortunate, she is optimistic she will receive the visa in time to leave on the 13th.

"The problem I am having with the visa acquisition is being sorted out as we speak," she said. "So, hopefully, I will get that in time for my departure."

"The Belgium issue was unfortunate, especially seeing that I was supposed to go to the World Championships, and that would have been an incredible achievement for a Jamaican to be on the world stage."