The Cycling fraternity in Saint Lucia mourns the loss of Jean Louis a legendary cyclist who was killed by a vehicle in Burlington, Canada on the morning of Friday October 13, 2025 while riding his bicycle.
Jean Louis is best remembered for winning his first OECS cycling Championship held in 1987. Among his victories were the 1986 Ovaltine Cycling Championships and the National Day December 13 Ovaltine Championship in 1989 stopping a four year winning streak by Pius Raveneau in an emphatic victory.
Louis is believed to have started his cycling career in the late 1970s.
He came to prominence in the 80s amidst such talents as Nigel Meghay, Ryan Raveneau, Silo Lake, and Emile Mitchel.
The 1980s was where he started to show his strength in the longer races showing superior climbing ability winning races like the 1985 7 -UP Dennery and back race, 1987 Barclays Dennery and Back Race and OECS Vieux Fort and back race. He represented St. Lucia at many regional events on the road and the track inclusive of the Yoplait Tour of Trinidad , Guyana five stage Grand Prix 1985 and 1988, Whitsuntide Grass Track Meets in Grenada and track Races in Barbados.
Louis is said to have been instrumental in the development and mentoring of many young cyclists of the 1980s, helping many of them with equipment while continuing to support local cycling even when he migrated to Canada.
Former national cyclist and St. Lucia Cycling Association President, Cyril Mangal is quoted as saying ” He participated in our 2024 National Championships individual Time Trial whilst on vacation in St. Lucia. Jean Louis will be missed. He died riding his bike at the age of 67. May he ride and rest in peace.”