Hasani Hennis, 22-year-old Anguillian cyclist from Blowing Point participated in the Thompson Bucks County Classic in Doylestown, Philadelphia on Sunday 8th September amidst a field of 98 Pro US Cyclists.
“The criterium in Doylestown was founded in 2004 by John Eustice as the second day of what was then the Univest Grand Prix. In 2012 the Thompson Organization took over title sponsorship of the race. The Thompson Bucks County Classic expanded to include the Doylestown Health Pro Women’s race in 2014, an amateur men’s race in 2015 and became a national race in 2016 as part of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour.
The beautiful setting and giant enthusiastic crowd plus the extraordinary racecourse in Doylestown has attracted some of the best racing cyclists in the world for years as well as up and coming stars.”
This race was the final race of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour and Hennis had the opportunity to join the Good Guys Racing Team out of NYC. This guest invite was offered following meeting Team Good Guys in Antigua in August.
Hennis maintained a top 10 position for 75% of the 26-lap race which according to Good Guys Team representative & host Michael Tan, “He represented well. It was an insanely hard finale.” A breakaway group of two riders, eventually joined by a third rider (ultimately the winner) dominated the last laps of the race, leaving the other 95 pro riders unable to close the gap.
A highlight of Hennis’ participation on Sunday was the race commentator’s continuous mention of the island of Anguilla, how to get there and the highlighting of establishments such as Roy’s Bayside Grill and their Friday night specials, Jazz at Johnnos with Sproka and shout outs to villages like The Valley, Blowing Point and Sandy Ground. Additionally, the highlighted Hennis’ recent wild card selection to the UCI World Championships to be held from 22nd to 29th September in Yorkshire, England. They did not disappoint with the coverage of Hennis and the island which prompted comments from supporters that Anguilla “got a lot of airtime”.
Anguillians, Simone Connor & family as well as Jaden Harrigan & family made the trip to support Hennis and represent the Anguilla flag on location.
Hennis competed in the race on Anguilla Social Security sponsored state of the art Trek road bike which they recently facilitated for the Anguilla talent. The trip to New York was privately funded by Mr Calvert “Junie”
Fleming of Superior Industrial Equipment and Vita Malt which is exclusively distributed by International Wine & Spirits Ltd. This funding covered flight, room and board for Hennis’ stay from Friday 6th September to the 10th 2019.
– Press Release
