Former national cyclist Samuel Red Cap Thomas has passed away at age 64, following an eight-year battle with cancer. He leaves behind four children. Thomas is reported to have died last weekend in the United States, where he had lived for some time.
Thomas got his first bicycle as a toddler, and those who knew him best say that he was as often on two wheels as he was on his two feet. By his early teens, he was an avid racer and dominated the Castries city circuit for the better part of 15 years.
A showman, whose signature headwear gave him his nickname, Thomas amassed a large following. Fans admired his zeal, endurance, stamina, and unwavering love for racing. He won several races and left a lasting impact on the bicycle racing community.
Among his laurels was the 1977 Junior Ovaltine Championship title. In 1989, he represented Saint Lucia on the tracks in Barbados, along with Jean Louis, Emile Mitchel, Romuald Silo Lake, Christopher Chofus Augustin, Frank Devil Alcide, and Oliver Rasta Charles.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Thomas was also a dedicated teacher at TD Gordon Methodist School, where he was a favorite among his students. After leaving teaching, he worked with Cable & Wireless as a technician and later in the planning department. This role allowed him to travel to every corner of Saint Lucia.
In the early 2000s, Thomas immigrated to New York, but he stayed close to his roots. He was also a regular caller to local radio stations. According to his obituary, “he had a sharp wit and was known for his catchphrase, ‘I laugh, I laugh, I laugh’, often said while explaining something or engaging in light-hearted banter.”
His infectious personality and enthusiasm made him a beloved figure to everyone who knew him.
Redcap was a true champion, who remained optimistic even in the face of adversity. During the golden days of cycling, he was an outstanding cyclist and was up there with the likes of Ryan Raveneau, Bradley Alexander, “Doc” Burnett, Emil Mitchell and Jean Louis. In those days, people came out in droves for the 13th December and other cycle races and Redcap was always a crowd favourite.
When I last spoke with Redcap, a few months before his passing, he sounded very positive about his battle with cancer and it came as a shock to hear that he had died.
His achievements on the track and on the road will long be remembered.