Photo: left (on the podium) Robert marsh 2nd, Jyme Bridges 1st, Chiel Lafabure (3rd Overall), Marvin Spencer (3rd National - 4th overall). Front of Podium Cliff Williams President ABACA, Top Ranking rep Ms. Matthew and ABI Insurance rep Clint Nicholas
As the 2011 Top Ranking National Cycling Championships get on its way at 9:30am, June 26th the island’s four best riders spared no time to separate themselves from the others early in the 1st lap, the 4 stayed together for almost the entire race. Bridges made the decisive move in the remaining 9 miles of the 66 mile race. Marvin Spencer and Marsh responded but were unable to match the power of the youngster. The chase continued but Jyme continued to power away to open the gap. By time Jyme met the 3 remaining mile of the race he was certain of capturing the national title. Bridges crosses the line by himself in front a huge crowd to capture the 2011 National Road title. Jyme Bridges won the National Road race in a time of 3:04.40, receiving the prestigious ABI Insurance National Champion trophy. Robert Marsh improved on his sprint as the rocked the crowd to out sprint Chiel Lafabure for the 2nd podium spot. Marsh placed 2nd in a time of 3:05.45.1 ahead of Chiel who placed 3rd overall in a time of 3:05.45.4. The Belgian was recognized and received the prizes for 3rd overall but the title of 3rd National went to Marvin Spencer who was 4th overall. The 2011 National Time Trial Champion was the 3rd Antiguan and 4th overall in a time of 3:07.26.
The OCES Champion, Jyme Bridges earned his 2nd biggest title in regional cycling for the 2011 Cycling season. The 2011 Top Ranking National Cycling Championships lend the opportunity of the cyclists earning the sport’s most prestigious title and to be listed on the Governing Body of Cycling list of National Champions of the World. Bridges set out to continue build his resume leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics as he rode well enough to secure another top title for 2011 season.
Tamiko Butler won the National Female title over Lindsay Duffy in Sunday’s 33 mile female event. The Antigua female star rider easily won the event and continues on to complete the full course to place 3rd in the 66 mile B-class. Lindsay Duffy completed the 33 mile course to place 2nd in the female class.
B-Class riders contested the 66 mile course for a shot at the national title. Clint Henry had the best performance of the B-class to win the class in a time of 3:21.38. Devon Norris placed 2nd in time of 3:30.32 whilst Tamiko Butler place 3rd. Omoro James and Gilrick Pryce were 4th and 5th respectively.
Tristan Matthew earned the National Junior road title as he won the 22 mile juniors event. Tristan won the sprint over Tasheed Gordon by nipping him on the line. Matthew clocked a time of 1:10.16.30 whilst Tasheed placed 2nd clocking a time of 1:10.16.33. Nigel Fabian was 3rd in a time of 1:10.16.89.
The Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Association will like to thanks the Royal Police Force, The National Cadets Corp, and the volunteers who assisted to make the event safe and successful. The committee will also like to thanks the following sponsors who contribution made the event vent a reality; title sponsor, Top Ranking Store on Old Parham rd, ABI Insurance and Lucozade.
Meanwhile, the next event for the Cycling Association will be The Food Brokerage Circuit Race on Sunday 10th July as this will bring the first half of the season to an end as we yield for the festival season. The Food Brokerage Circuit Race will start at 3pm on the top of Friars Hill road. The race will take the course along the Longfords rd, unto Blue Waters main road, unto Marble Hill rd, then take the left unto the Oil Refinery bypass, back up Friars Hill for 12 laps. Jyme Bridges won last year’s event producing a time of 2:14.06.
