The Anguilla Cycling Association (ACA) is living up to its mandate to provide challenging meets for the local cyclists as they become more competitive on the regional and international scenes.
An eight-member delegation left Anguilla on 12th October for Guadeloupe and was joined by Delroy Carty to represent the ACA in the 2023 Caribbean Cycling Championships. Among the nine-member delegation were four executives who provided support for the team but also participated in the Caribbean Cycling Union conference on the 15th of October. The five cyclists took part in two days of two elite-level cycling disciplines in the male, female and under-23 categories.
The first event took place on the afternoon of October 14th dubbed the race against the clock in the Championships’ Time Trial event held in the village of Petit Canal. Two of Anguilla’s elite cyclists; Hasani Hennis and Delroy Carty, clipped into their custom-tailored time trial bikes to see who would muscle over 23 kilometres and 109 meters of elevation in the fastest time against twenty-one other cyclists.
Both riders had their challenges – Delroy had to face rainy conditions, wet roads and occasional puddles of water but was able to complete the course placing 7th with a time of 30:36 minutes. Hasani, though he preferred the conditions, peddled with all his strength while suppressing flu-like symptoms. He secured 15th place with a time of 33:59 minutes.
The winners of the time trial were Bermudans Connor White 1st place, and Kayden Hopkins 2nd place, and Nicholas Narraway of Guadeloupe 3rd place.
The following day was the classic 139-kilometre road race starting at Les Abymes with over 1000 meters in elevation to gain by the end of the course – a grueling battle of endurance. The starting line looked spectacular with a kaleidoscope of Caribbean colours and nations – fifty cyclists representing over eighteen different islands.
Anguilla was represented by Hasani Hennis, Delroy Carty, Sherwin Osborne, and Zambezi Richardson. Unfortunately, Carvin Proctor encountered a technical issue and was unable to start.
It was not long after the shout of “allez” that the dolphin jersey worn by Hasani Hennis, was out in front of the pack, driving the speed to close to 60 kilometres per hour, a strategic move that caused the rest of the peloton to chase and changing the dynamics of the race instantly.
One lap in with five more to go, and already the pack of fifty was less than what had started. This continued throughout the race, as one by one, the cyclists “cracked” and were unable to finish. In the end, only nineteen crossed the finish line. Damien Urcel secured 1st place, Mathieu Pellegrin 2nd place – both from Guadeloupe, and Red Walters of Grenada secured 3rd place.
The ACA Vice President, Mr. Junie Fleming received an award plaque for participation on behalf of the Anguilla delegation from Mr. Fredric Theobald President of the Guadeloupe federation.
The Anguillian delegation had great appreciation for the host island of Guadeloupe for accommodating all the islands’ athletes for the weekend championship and the Caribbean Cycling Union Congress meeting.
ACA President Terone Hodge-Carty said “though we recognized the major challenge with the language barrier and adjustments, it was an enlightening [and] learning experience for the team. The Anguilla Cycling Association wishes to express its gratitude to The Government of Anguilla, Department of Sports, West Indies Concrete, Greig’s Trucking, Prestige 1st stop, AXA Cycling & Fitness Shop, Sunshine Shack and Deluxe Ferry for making this trip possible.”
Interested persons can follow the Anguilla Cycling Association on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
