On Sunday the first nine cyclists set off on the “early start” of the 18th annual Tour de Tortola Mountain Bike Race.
This group included four women who entered the shortened Fun/Novice division.
At 7 a.m., Minister of Education and Culture Myron Walwyn was on hand for the start of the remaining 36 cyclists in a controlled start with former Female Caribbean Cycling Champion Lisa Adamson leading the way and setting the pace.
At the Road Town Ferry Terminal the pacer pulled off and the race started in a westerly direction and continued around Tortola covering 37 miles and more than 3,000 feet of climbing including Windy Hill.
Among the cyclists were four juniors who had a shortened course allowing them to descend Little Dix Hill and avoid the climb and descent to and from the HM Prison at Balsam Ghut.
“We were honoured to welcome overseas participants Maria Gooding of Trinidad and Reginald Douglas and James Weekes of Nevis,” said organisers.
Part-time VI resident Ricky Rodriguez rode for his native Puerto Rico. Five cyclists from Virgin Gorda also participated in the race. Nine female riders and men ranging from 16 years old to 60 and older competed in the annual race around the island.
Orano Andrews, defending his four-year title, was first to break away from the lead group but chased by Gareth Thomas. The two Nevis riders Messrs. Douglas and Weekes battled with Mr. Rodriguez and past winner Philippe Leroy and Antony Spencer.
The chase pack consisted of Sally Blackmore, three masters category riders Adrian Dale, Manasseh Philip and Craig Allam and veteran category cyclist Alastair Abrehart. The climb up Windy Hill separated the riders even more and Ms. Blackmore was able to drop the chase group until Mr. Abrehart reeled her in. Mr. Andrews opened a minute and a half lead when he suffered a flat tyre, which allowed Mr. Thomas to take the lead.
Messrs. Rodriguez and Douglas rode together until Mr. Douglas decided to try and close the gap on Mr. Thomas.
Mr. Andrews fixed his flat and was able to pass many cyclists that had passed him on the side of the road and made up much of his lost time. However, it wasn’t quite enough and Mr. Thomas took the win in 2 hours and 25 minutes — six minutes ahead of runner up Mr. Douglas. Mr. Rodriguez took third in 2 hours 36 minutes. Ms. Blackmore was the first female over the line in 2 hours 56 minutes, putting her in eighth overall. Visiting female Ms. Gooding took second in 3:11’ with Carolina Pettigrew in third place with a time of 3:14.’
In the Junior Category the cyclists rode 32 miles. Ricardo Jones placed first in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Barney Nockolds came in second in 2 hours and 43 minutes, while Melvin Knight and Raffique Pope took third and forth respectively.
The Fun Novice course of 28 miles attracted four female participants. Patlian Johnson took first place in 2 hours and 51 minutes , while the other three participants finished as a group in 3 hours and 54 minutes.
The Cadets did a race with laps around the Port Purcell warehouse area.
Dara Smith and Clifton Forbes organised the twelve boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years old into their age groups.
The next BVI Mountain Bike Club event is the Norman Island Challenge on June 10. For more information about the club and events contact Jim Cullimore at 496-6846 or e-mail: bvimtbclub@gmail.com