Even as the dust settles on an exhilarating and highly competitive 2025 John T Memorial Race, the members of the Anguilla Cycling Association (ACA) are already deep into planning for a landmark 25th anniversary celebration in 2026. The recent event, held July 5-6 in Anguilla, firmly established its place as one of the Caribbean’s premier cycling competitions.
The 2025 John T’s Memorial Bicycle Race celebrated a remarkable surge in participation, attracting over 90 cyclists from across the region and home. Competitors journeyed from Dominica, Barbados, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Barths, Trinidad & Tobago, and Tortola to host nation Anguilla. Building on this growth, the ACA members are already looking forward to an even grander event in 2026, with multiple teams eagerly committing to return with increased support. Beyond the numbers, the race weekend buzzed with truly vibrant and palpable energy.
The first weekend of July brought exhilarating cycling events to the forefront. On Saturday, July 5th, the Criterium event captivated an enthusiastic crowd as 35 young participants took on the Road and BMX races, prior to 56 cyclists in the senior competition. The thrill continued into Sunday, July 6th, with the highly anticipated and infamous John T Memorial Race, drawing 56 competitors. Spectators – a vibrant mix of residents and visitors keenly supporting their Islands, converged along the entire route, boosting every participant with their incredible presence. This fervent local support was especially impactful for Anguillan cyclists, whose impressive performances in the fiercely competitive John T Road Race saw them secure notable placements from 3rd to 6th position.
The 2025 John T Memorial Race was a resounding success, perfectly embodying the spirit of Caribbean cycling with fierce competition, outstanding sportsmanship, and incredible community support. We are immensely proud of this year’s achievements and are already channeling our energy into making the 25th anniversary race in 2026 an absolutely unmissable, landmark event for the entire region. Mark your calendars (July 3rd to the 5th, 2026) for if you would have missed 2025, you simply cannot afford to miss next year’s 25th celebration!
The Anguilla Cycling Association wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone involved: From the indispensable local and foreign commissaires who skillfully officiated and policed, to our generous sponsors and supporters whose contributions were the lifeblood of the event. We salute the dedicated police officers and traffic wardens for meticulously safeguarding the course, and the cheer of the passionate spectators who created an electric atmosphere. Most importantly, we celebrate the participating cyclists, whose incredible dedication and awe-inspiring performances made the day truly unforgettable. Your collective efforts shone brightly, making this year’s race an unparalleled triumph.
About the John T Memorial Race: What began as a prestigious 1-day Sunday bicycle race has blossomed into an Anguilla’s premier annual weekend of cycling. This celebrated event now extends to cultivating new disciplines like BMX, youth, and adult criterium races for both male and female competitors. The Anguilla Cycling Association is committed to nurturing cycling talent and fostering vibrant competition throughout the Caribbean.
The race serves as a powerful tribute to Mr. John Thomas (John T), whose profound passion built the strong foundation for cycling in Anguilla, a legacy whose remarkable fruits are evident today. Even amidst recent difficulties with air travel across the Caribbean, which can complicate journeys to Anguilla, the event’s two-decade long dedication has prevailed, establishing it as one of the most anticipated and competitive cycling showcases in the Caribbean. The ACA expresses profound gratitude to all past associations for their invaluable resilience and visionary contributions. The current ACA is mandated to build upon established protocols and with the assistance of the community, such a collaboration can only embark on limitless possibilities.
