ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CYCLING FEDERATION

The 2012 Shirley Heights Cycle Challenge held on Sunday 26^th August was a display of the rides in their best forms as they prepare for the region’s greatest cycling event, Caribbean Cycling Championships to be held here in Antigua in October.

Outstanding performance came from Marvin Spencer, Andre Simon, Garfield Henry, Ashley Rhodes, Tesheed Gordon, Tamiko Butler, Tristan Matthew, Brian Lyn and Dale Richardson. But the battle of the day was between Jyme Bridges of Rattlers Cycling, Robert Marsh of the East Side Raiders and Marvin Spencer of Team Terminix, all of who selected for the A team of the Caribbean Cycling National Team.

The three had their battle to top of the challenge of the day, Shirley Heights. Robert Marsh suffered a puncture during the climb where he loses time to the two in the decent. But the 43 years old rider knows his strength where continue with persistency in pursuit to chase the two race leaders.

 

Marsh caught Spencer but Spencer was unable to match the pace of March where Marsh continues to catch up with Bridges. The two continue their battle through the villages of Liberta and All Saints, the battle continued to the finish line which was placed on the 6^th climb of the course, Seaview Farm. The two played Cat and Mouse until 12 meters to the line resulting with Jyme Bridges emerging as the winner. Bridges completed the 45 mile gruelling course in a time of 2:06.16 to edge Robert Marsh who was 2^nd in a time of 2:06.17. The two opened a small gap on Marvin Spencer who crossed the line 3^rd in a time of 2:07.39. Garfield Henry, Andre Simon and Brian Lyn were 4^th, 5^th and 6^th respectively.

 

Tesheed Gordon was 1^st in the B-Class; the 15 year old completed the 45 mile course in a time of 2:14.38 to separate himself from his closest rival Tamiko Butler who was 2^nd in a time of 2:14.51. Mervin Gore secured 3^rd place after Ashley Rhodes fell, Rhodes manage to finish his race in 4^th place producing a time of 2:31.43. Gilrick Pryce placed 5^th in a time of 2:41.54.

 

Lindsay Duffy was the lone competitor in the Female Class she completed the female course in time of 2:51.25. Joel Phillip continues to be the dominant one of the Joel and Nigel battle for the Cadet Class. The two competed on a reduced course with Joel emerging as the winner. Young Phillip completed the course in a time of 2:14.33 over Nigel Fabian both of Team Terminix Cycling Club. Outstanding performance also came from Conroy Thomas in the Sports Class the new comer completed the course in a time 2:13.21 which awarded him promotion to compete in B-Class.

 

The next Cycling race is schedule for Sunday 9^th September, 24 mile Individual Time Trial starting at 3pm at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.