Delroy Carty, Zambezi Richardson, Huekeemi Hughes, and Hasani Hennis represented Anguilla at the Caribbean Cycling Pan-American Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic from August 12-16. The team was managed by the association’s President, Sharon Lowe, and Vice President, Calvert Fleming.
On August 10, the majority of the team traveled to St. Maarten for the journey to the Dominican Republic but was delayed on St. Maarten for two nights due to the passage of a tropical storm. However, Hasani Hennis, who traveled from the USA, arrived in the Dominican Republic on August 10, ahead of the other team members. The other members subsequently arrived on August 12.
The delay caused much disruption for the team, as most of the cyclists missed the Caribbean Cycling Championship, which was held on the day of arrival, just hours prior. However, Hasani participated in the event without a team, whereas other countries had a full contingent of riders. Nevertheless, from a field of 45 cyclists and with a distance of 90km/55 miles, he was able to place fourth. A position that could only have been better with the help of his team members.
On Friday, August 13, the Pan-American Under 23 Road Race took place, in which Zambezi represented the island. He placed 41st, where 93 cyclists started and 62 finished. The race, which was 140km/87 miles, was of a very high pace and comprised some of the top cycling countries, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, and Colombia. Although riding among some of the top cyclists in this category, Zambezi displayed confidence and did Anguilla; the smallest island to be represented, very well.
Saturday, August 14, saw the Individual Time Trial races for the Pan-American Championship and Caribbean Cycling Championship. Seeing that it was impossible to participate in both events as they were staged one after the other, we elected to have Hasani enter the 40km/24 mile Caribbean Individual Time Trial Race. However, participation in this race was not as expected, but Hasani again placed fourth. In this event, some countries see it fit not to have cyclists who participate in the time trial participate in the road race. Therefore, these cyclists had stronger and fresher legs and were at a significant advantage.
The final event, Pan-American Road Race, was on Sunday, August 15. This race was deemed the race for the heavy hitters, and this was also the longest race of the weekend, being some 160km/100 miles. Ninety-four cyclists started this race, and among them was Justin Williams, American Top Crit Cyclist and National Champion, who represented his country of birth, Belize.
Three team members, Delroy Carty, Huekeemi Hughes, and Hasani Hennis participated in this race. Having participated in the Under 23 event, Zambezi had to sit out this one.
For Delroy, who was representing Anguilla for the first time, this race proved to be a daunting task but was a learning experience. It was the highest caliber of race in which he ever participated. Unfortunately for Huekeemi, he had to abandon the race due to mechanical issues. This forced Hasani to be the lone participant for the island. However, Hasani displayed much confidence, determination, and maturity in this race and placed 9th. A remarkable achievement not only for Anguilla but for the Caribbean and English-speaking countries, for which he was the top finisher.
It is important to note that the performance of both Hasani and Zambezi is a testament to the training and high level of races they were exposed to during their overseas stints.
On August 17, Hasani, Delroy, and Zambezi traveled from the Dominican Republic to Antigua for the Antigua three-stage race. The association’s secretary, Shanella Carty, traveled from Anguilla to Antigua on August 20 and performed the role of team manager.
The first stage of the Antigua event, the Time Trial, was held on the morning of Saturday, August 21, and sadly Hasani was unwell and unable to participate. Zambezi and Delroy participated despite Zambezi not feeling up to par.
The second stage, which was the circuit race, took place on Saturday afternoon. With Hasani still feeling unwell, again, only Zambezi and Delroy participated. Zambezi, who still complained about his health, was forced to abandon the stage, but Delroy persevered and pedaled right to end.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Team Anguilla did not participate in the third stage of the event.
Eventually, the guys departed Antigua and Hasani returned to the USA, and Delroy and Zambezi to Anguilla.
The Executive and Members of the Anguilla Cycling Association extend gratitude to the Government of Anguilla, Department of Sports, Mervyn Massive Gore, Benjamin Donger Phillips and Superior Industrial Equipment for the assistance and support provided for this trip.
For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/AACA.Anguilla or call 264-584-0083.
– Press Release
