Lugogo — Former Tour de France rider Paul Sherwen has promised support to the Ugandan cycling team as they prepare for next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

Uganda Cycling Association (UCA) president Sam Muwonge told the press yesterday Englishman Sherwen had pledged both technical and material support. "He said he would bring us equipment and assist the team in training if time allows," Muwonge said during the weekly Commonwealth Games press briefing at Lugogo. Uganda is sending eight cyclists to Delhi including two women, who are competitng at such a level for the first time.

"There are no competition bikes in Uganda and buying one from abroad costs about 4,000 dollars," Muwonge said. "A tyre goes for 200 dollars and competitions shoes cost 300 dollars. So Sherwen's support will be very vital."

The Indian Association in Uganda, which is working with the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) to raise funds for the Delhi team, helped lobby Sherwen to assist cyclists. Sherwen, 56, competed in seven Tour de France editions, finishing five of them.