One of Saint Lucia’s legendary sports personalities has died, with news coming through that Jean Louis died in the saddle this weekend in Canada. A champion cyclist in his youth, Louis died on October 17 at the age of 66. He was hit by a vehicle whilst riding his bicycle in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Louis was remembered by his brother, Daniel, and by cycling administrators and fans. Daniel was the first and only cyclist named Sportsman of the Year in Saint Lucia, winning that accolade in 1985. Jean made history of his own two years later, when he captured the inaugural Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Cycling Championships men’s title.
“Actually, he got me into cycling,” recalled Daniel from his home in Florida. “He was regarded as the most influential cyclist not by the amount of races he won, [but] because of the way he treated other cyclists in a positive way, always being there for them.
“Jean represented Saint Lucia all over the Caribbean, was well known in cycling circles all over the region. He raced against guys like Captain Guy Bousquet of Port Authority, before my time in racing, and Frank Devil Alcide. Emile Mitchel, Nigel Meghay, and Romuald Silo Lake always had some of the finest battles in races.
“Jean also looked up a lot to Walter Redman, who was the coach of Saint Lucia in the eighties and early nineties. But it was [Catholic priest] Father Carty who got him involved in cycling, he always spoke about this. Father Carty was actually credited with starting cycling in Saint Lucia.”
Hailing from the south Castries community of Anse La Salopwe in La Toc, Jean Louis won accolades including multiple Ovaltine titles at home and in St Kitts & Nevis, the 1987 Barclays Bank Race to Dennery and back, and invitational grass track races at school sports. He even rode in national championships in 2023 and 2024, just to support the next generation of cyclists.
“Jean Louis was instrumental in the development of many of the young cyclists in the 1980s to the 90’s. He played a major role in my development, along with my brothers,” said Saint Lucia Cycling Association president Cyril Mangal. “He helped us with equipment. He was like a father figure to us. He contributed even while he was [a] resident in Canada. He was always there to encourage me as a cycling administrator when things seem tough for the sport, encouraging me not to give up.”
Cyril has fond memories of Jean winning the 1989 Ovaltine Race on the Castries city circuit, stopping Pius Raveneau’s winning streak in dramatic fashion, looking over his shoulder in the final few metres, and goading his vanquished rival.
Cyril’s brother, John, also recalled Jean Louis. “This man was very helpful to a lot of the young riders, and he was looked up to,” said John. “After training in the eighties, we used go home, shower and back in town hanging out on the old Barclays Bank steps on Bridge Street. By 8 p.m. or so, he would say: ‘Everyone home, we have training in the morning.’ He would assist new riders with bike parts, and his home was a hangout area for us on Saturday mornings.”
Former cyclist Gregory Downie added his sentiments on Facebook, striking a sombre note. “Cycling on the road remains a global risk, one we accept every time we clip in and head out,” he remarked. “Jean’s legacy as a pioneer and champion will not be forgotten. RIP Champ. Your courage and contribution to Caribbean cycling will live on.”
