Each cyclist in the BVICF National Time Trials and Jason Bally Memorial Race will have an individual transponder fitted to the front wheel of their bike, which is then read by a sensor as they pass the start and finish lines. photo credit: supplied

Each Transponder has a unique ID number. Each time it passes the Detection Loop, the loop picks up the short-range signal being transmitted by the transponder, which the Software then matches to the bike and rider. photo credit: supplied

With the software, you can sort, lay out, and print results for each session quickly and easily. You can even upload results to MYLAPS.com, phone apps or social media for all competitors to see. photo credit: supplied

Although, as Christopher Sr. readily accepted, the decision was taken out of his hands with the unavailability of several of the dedicated time keepers, he reacted quickly to invite the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation to come over with the timing system and implement its use for what will be the first time such accuracy has been utilized for cycling in the BVI.

According to the company, which has been in existence for 30 years, the MYLAPS Run ProChip System is the best timing system for cycling clubs. The system has been optimized by using self-powered timing chips that send signals directly to the timing system and can be used for races and for timing training sessions.

The system is currently utilized by many organizations, including the Tour de France, the Dutch Olympic team and a growing number of national cycle federations, including Antigua , Denmark, Poland, Turkey the Netherlands and various Olympic associations.

Most recently the system was used in the cyclo sportive Haute Route that took place in the French Alps. It is said to be the toughest and highest cycling race in the world.

Another huge event that was recently timed with MYLAPS equipment is the Vuelta a Espana: Spain’s major cycling tour. La Vuelta a Espana is one of the three major cycling events, next to the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.

One of the last Caribbean Countries to purchase the system was Costa Rica. La Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI), the cycling federation of Costa Rica, started using MyLaps at the end of 2011 and as Hernan Solano, the President of FECOCI said “ MyLaps will significantly improve the way races are timed and offer additional benefits and data to riders, coaches and officials”.

Each cyclist will have an individual transponder fitted to the front wheel of their bike, which is then read by a sensor as they pass the start and finish lines. Each Transponder has a unique ID number. Each time it passes the Detection Loop, the loop picks up the short-range signal being transmitted by the transponder. This signal is translated by the Decoder into the transponder's own ID number, which the Software matches to the bike and rider.

With the software, you can sort, lay out, and print results for each session quickly and easily. You can even upload results to MYLAPS.com, phone apps or social media for all competitors to see.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) recognized the benefit of electronic timing and the use of transponders at a Congress in December 2011, issuing a statement that “New technology allows events to be followed as they unfold, permits intermediate classifications to be compiled and allows the finish of cycling events to be judged without the risks associated with judging by sight only.”

It remains to be seen whether the BVICF will follow the lead of the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation and look to invest in its own electronic timing systems, but it is certainly one way of continuing to enhance its development plans and carry the sport forward.

The MyLaps system covers almost every sport including Athletics, Cycling and Triathlons, so maybe it’s time those Federations all get together and make a proactive decision to take their sports to the next level.