For one weekend, Anguilla’s roads belonged to cyclists.
From seasoned regional champions to children just beginning their racing journeys, the island once again became a meeting place for talent, competition and community as the 25th Annual John T. Memorial Cycling Race marked a significant milestone.
More than simply another sporting event, the anniversary celebrated a race that has become a fixture on Anguilla’s sporting calendar while reminding spectators why cycling continues to hold a special place in the island’s sporting identity.
The celebrations officially began on the evening of Friday, 3rd July, 2026, at Anguilla Great House, where cyclists, supporters, sponsors and government officials gathered for the opening ceremony. Riders had travelled from across the Caribbean, including Antigua, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Guyana, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and, of course, Anguilla, turning the occasion into a true regional celebration.
Looking back on the race’s 25-year journey, Anguilla Cycling Association President Terone Hodge-Carty reflected on those who helped build the event into what it is today.
“As cyclists, we stand tall on the shoulders of the giants, the pioneers, the visionaries and the passionate riders who came before us and laid the foundation for what this event has become,” he said. “Their dedication, blood, sweat, and love for the sport have carried us here, and we honour their legacy with every turn of the pedal.”
While paying tribute to the past, Hodge-Carty also looked towards the future, stressing the association’s commitment to developing youth cycling programmes and introducing new disciplines that will help keep the sport growing for generations to come.
“To all cyclists that travelled from near and far, we congratulate you,” he added. “Your presence here is a powerful testament to your skill, determination and love for cycling. Let us ride with pride, with heart and with dignity.”
The Honourable Minister of Sports Cardigan Connor echoed those sentiments, describing the John T. Memorial Race as one of the island’s enduring sporting traditions.
“When you talk about twenty-five years of anything, it says that you’ve survived the test of time,” he remarked.
Connor praised the Cycling Association for preserving the legacy of John Thomas while continuing to expand opportunities for local cyclists. Speaking more broadly about the role of sport, Connor noted that competition often creates friendships as much as rivalries.
Sponsors also reaffirmed their commitment to the event. Representatives from Liberty Credit Union welcomed the visiting teams and thanked them for making the anniversary celebration possible, while Nagico described the race as one that embodies “commitment, endurance and community spirit”, wishing competitors a safe and successful weekend.
The evening also became an opportunity to honour the people whose work behind the scenes has sustained cycling in Anguilla over the past quarter-century. Former Anguilla Cycling Association presidents Edward Gumbs, Patricia Hodge, George Lake, Miguel Leverett and Sharon Richardson-Lowe each received commemorative plaques recognising their leadership and contributions.
Calvert Fleming was presented with the Association’s Distinguished Service Award for his many years of dedicated support to the cycling community, while current president Terone Hodge-Carty was also recognised for his service.
Competition began in earnest on Saturday, 4th July, 2026, with the Youth and Seniors Criterium races around Queen Elizabeth Avenue. The fast-paced circuit racing produced plenty for home supporters to cheer.
Among the youngest competitors, Razik Webster of Anguilla secured third place in the Under-9 division. Anguilla also dominated the Under-11 category as Z’kari Lake-Pancho raced to victory, followed by Khri Smith in second and Matteo Richardson in third. In the girls’ Under-11 division, Sariah Bazil earned second place.
The island’s success continued in the Under-13 division, where Haseem Hennis claimed first place. In the Under-15 boys’ race, Anguilla swept the top two positions through Drae Hodge and Carden Petty, while Romeika Piper of St. Martin, competing as the sole female rider in her category, took home gold.
Saturday’s criterium also showcased impressive regional competition. In the Elite race, Jahkim Carty topped the podium. Barbados’ Sedwin Jones won Masters C, while Barbados also celebrated victories through Dwayne Headley in Masters A and Janelle Clarke in the Masters Female division. Anguilla’s Shawn Weathered secured second place in Masters A, and Serge Nipau claimed victory in Masters B.
Sunday’s John T. Memorial Classic Road Race on 5th July, 2026, tested riders over a demanding island-wide course stretching from Queen Elizabeth Avenue through East End, Island Harbour, Welches, Sandy Ground and West End before returning to the finish.
Regional riders ultimately claimed many of the top honours, but Anguillian cyclists continued to deliver determined performances against a strong international field.
In the Masters B division, St. Martin’s Patricio Carty took victory, while Anguilla’s Craig Emmanuel finished a respectable fifth. Barbados’ Dwayne Headley successfully defended his Masters A title, and Barbadian rider Janelle Clarke claimed the Masters Female category.
Anguilla’s Ephraim Hughes-Hodge crossed the line fourth in the Juniors race, won by St. Martin’s Juliani Van-Heyningen.
The Elite category featured one of the weekend’s strongest fields, with St. Martin’s Jahkim Carty claiming victory. Anguilla was well represented, with Delroy Carty finishing sixth, Sherwin Osborne seventh and Justin Hodge ninth.
As the finish lines were crossed and medals awarded, the weekend served as a reminder that the John T. Memorial Race is more than an annual competition. Twenty-five years after it began, it continues to bring Caribbean cyclists together, inspire a new generation of riders and ensure that the John Thomas’ legacy keeps moving forward one pedal stroke at a time.
By Janissa Fleming
