SVG Cycling Union president pays tribute to fallen cyclist

Editor: As I reminisce on my encounters with Randy Wilkinson, better known as ‘Bom’ or ‘Tall Boy’, I couldn’t help but to go back to the days when the Sardine brothers and I used to train around the Arnos Vale playing field. His father, Patrick John, who was also known as ‘Tall Boy,’ worked at the park and would chase us away and say, “Mike Findlay say you cannot ride on the grass! This is a cricket field and you will mash up the park!”{{more}}

My relationship with Randy started off with his father. Not recalling the exact date he started to race, but I know that he was part of the cycling family for many years. I can remember Bom, the name he was commonly called, participated in many races over the years including: Uncle Metro, Ovaltine, KFC cycling Classic and Nine Mornings races, just to name a few.

Over the last three years, Peter Durrant and Bom have been competing for the title ‘Masters Cycling Champion’. This humble, soft-spoken guy was a fierce competitor for Durrant. Despite his determination to take the title, he had to settle for a few seconds earlier in the year. Nevertheless, on July, the 9th Cycle Classic for 2016, he was on his way to becoming the Masters Cycling Champion for 2016. One thing he always said to me, was that he must represent St Vincent and the Grenadines before he’s finished with cycling. Less than two months ago, Bom represented St Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time and participated in the 29th International Tobago Cycling Classic, which was held in Tobago. He messaged me the Sunday before he won his last race in life and said, “I am ready to represent SVG again, and I am going to win the Masters Division in Tobago next year”.

BOM was an exceptional cyclist, very humble, and he never showed any anger. His endless gifts were his enthusiasm, commitment and collaboration, because he was an excellent team player. His qualities played a huge role in the lives of his team members. His presence was huge, and there isn’t anything that can ever replace that void. Not many leave an impact like BOM.

Missing someone never means that they are missing, for BOM will always will be in our hearts. I do hope his death will bring the cycling family closer together.

Today we are here together, tomorrow we are into eternity. May his soul rest in peace.

Wilkinson was electrocuted at a construction site in Mount Pleasant, Bequia, November 17. He was 41 years old.

Wilkinson was laid to rest last Saturday at the Belair Cemetery, following a funeral service at the Hope For Life Restoration Ministries at Arnos Vale.

Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey