Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I shall reply to Parliamentary Questions B/978 and B/980 together as they relate to the same subject matter. I am informed that an unfortunate accident occurred during the Mauritius National Road Cycling Championship, held on Sunday 28 June 2026 at approximately 08:50 hours involving cyclist M. L. on a bend near Chassé Betafo, before Midlands Village. I am further informed that the circumstances surrounding the accident are currently under investigation by the Mauritius Police Force. The inquiry has not yet been completed and it not would be appropriate for me to comment further. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the response by the C-Care ambulance which was providing medical cover for the event was immediate. First aid was administered to the injured cyclist before being transported to C-Care Darné hospital for emergency treatment. However, due to the prohibitive cost of treatment, the President of the Mauritius Cycling Federation called me and following my personal intervention on the same day, arrangements were made for Mr M. L. to be transferred to Victoria Hospital where he is currently receiving specialised medical care. I wish to inform the House that my Ministry and the Mauritius Cycling Federation have remained in close contact with the family of Mr M.L. as well as with the medical team overseeing his treatment in order to monitor his condition and extend all possible support. I am informed that his condition is currently stable and that he is awaiting further surgical procedures. I personally paid him a visit and met with his mother whereby I assured her of my personal support and that of my Ministry. My Ministry acted promptly and immediately on the next day of the event. We requested a full report about the incident. A copy of the report from the Federation is being tabled. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to the safety measure and security protocols in place for the event, I am informed by the Mauritius Cycling Federation that the following protocols which are in accordance with the Union Cycliste Internationale guidelines for organising of cycling events were in place. Prior to the event, approval of the race route by the Mauritius Police Force and appointment of Union Cycliste Internationale Commissioners to supervise the competition and ensure compliance with the applicable UCI regulations. During the event, an official led vehicle positioned ahead of the leading group of each race fitted with a ‘Beware – cycle race’ warning sign and a flashing beacon to alert motorists, an ambulance accompanying the race throughout the event to provide immediate medical assistance whenever required. • 08 police motorcycle escorts, 09 police officers deployed at strategic locations and major intersection along the route; • 1 private motorcycle assisting with race security and communication; • 13 trained race marshal position along the course to assist with traffic management and rider safety; • security barriers installed at the finish area to protect riders; • officials and spectators and an official race convoy comprising lead, and support vehicle. While the Mauritius Cycling Federation considered that comprehensive safety arrangement has been put in place, it also recognises that road cycling, by its nature, carries inherent risks, particularly when competitions are conducted on public roads. The Federation has also pointed out that even where roads are temporarily closed, it is not possible to eliminate all risks entirely. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, notwithstanding the above, this unfortunate incident called for a thorough assessment of the existing framework governing road cycling competition. Accordingly, my Ministry will engage in consultation with the Mauritius Cycling Federation, the Mauritius Police Force and all other relevant stakeholders with a view to reviewing and where necessary, strengthening the existing safety and regulatory framework. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also wish to assure the House that my Ministry and the Mauritius Cycling Federation are working closely together to identify appropriate means of supporting Mr M.L. and his family during this difficult period. The Mauritius Cycling Federation has approved the organisation of a fundraising campaign in support of the family. In addition, I am informed that Mr M.L. is covered under the Federation insurance program which includes employer's liability, group personal accident and public liability insurance. Furthermore, at the level of my Ministry, we have the Athlete Welfare Scheme. The case of Mr M. L. for any assistance deemed appropriate, in accordance with the applicable provision, is being considered. This scheme has already assisted various athletes in the past. My thoughts and I am sure those of the whole House are with Mr M. L. and his family and I sincerely wish him a full speedy recovery.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. May I ask the hon. Minister if he will consider the construction of a velodrome to house cycling competitions in the future?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, consideration may be given for the construction of a velodrome for training purposes as well as for indoor cycling competition, but it would not suitable for road races. A velodrome may be used as a complement to road cycling rather than a replacement. Many elite cyclists train on the track because it develops speed, bike control and fitness that transfer well to the road, but they still spend significant time training on roads to prepare for the specific demand of road racing.

The hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière!

Merci, M. le président. L'honorable ministre est-il au courant que la police, ce jour-là, contrôlait la circulation uniquement pour la tête de la course, c'est-à-dire le peloton de tête et non pour les coureurs qui étaient détachés ? Comme c'était le cas pour le malheureux cycliste M. L. Donc, dans ce contexte, l'honorable ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre quelles conditions et mesures son ministère compte imposer aux fédérations, pas uniquement à la fédération de cyclisme, qui organise des compétitions sur route, afin de mieux protéger la vie des sportifs mauriciens et étrangers ?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, like I said in my reply, inspection and proposed race route by federation officials, identification of potential safety risks and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, submission of the race route and operational plan to the Commissioner of Police for approval. These details have already been worked out with the Police Force. So, if we have to work together with the federation, like I said in my reply, for further measures to be taken, I will do so.

Hon. Ms Henriette-Manan!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Can the hon. Minister give us more details on the Athlete Welfare Scheme he mentioned? Thank you.

Can you repeat the question, please?

The Athlete Welfare Scheme, can I have more details, please? Thank you.

It is a long list. If I can table it. I will table it.

Okay. One last question, hon. Edouard.

May I ask the hon. Minister if the Athlete Welfare Scheme is extended to athletes in Rodrigues?

Of course! It is included in the welfare scheme.

Okay, because your question has been replied. One last question.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. L'honorable ministre est-il au courant que les frais de clinique du cycliste dépassent les R 100 000 et que le cycliste n'est couvert que par une assurance à hauteur de R 25 000. Il l'a dit lui-même, qu'il y a un scheme qui pourrait éventuellement couvrir les frais. Je lui demande ici, dans cette Chambre, est-ce qu'il prend l'engagement au niveau de son ministère d'aider le cycliste à régler cette note ?

Effectively, the Government has increased the budget for the federation and we are working on it.

Hon. Fourth Member for Port Louis South and Montagne Longue! STATE AGE PENSION – GENDER-BASED REDUCTION RATE