SIMPSON BAY—The unmistakeable blue jerseys of Association Sportive de Marigot’s (ASM) “blue train” became the dominant force in Sunday’s Coors Light Airport Road Classic with the absence of several Velo Club de Sandy Ground’s (VCSG) top young riders; Jahkim Carty for one who is now in France for the next stage of his studies and cycling career.
It was left to Andy Guibreteau (17) and Adelaine Hodge in the Elites and Frederick Alvarez and Romeo Lake in Masters Open to fly the flag for the depleted VCSG. ASM had the biggest team on the start line, at least 10 riders, but there was a good turnout from all the other clubs and independent riders to make 54 participants.
The straightforward course consisted of a first lap for all categories to the Maho roundabout and back, then through Simpson Bay and up Cay Hill to the top roundabout, before descending to Cole Bay via Union Road, over the Causeway Bridge, and back on to the airport road for the required number of laps depending on category.
Early morning rain meant wet roads for the first part of the race but fortunately no serious accidents. The police did an excellent job of controlling the traffic.
There’s no denying the power of youth and their seemingly endless reserves of cardio output, a hallmark of ASM’s performance that saw a clean sweep for the club on the Elite podium.
Kianny Noel (ASM) was first, Juliani Claxton (ASM) second, and Kenny Carty (ASM) third. For good measure Kendjy Gervais (ASM) was fourth while Andy Guibreteau (VCSG) finished in fifth place.
“Andy was on his own and didn’t have the advantage of having a team around him, but that experience will come soon enough and he’s at the age where he is only going to get better and better,” reasoned Susy Piscione from Tri Sport Tigers, co-organiser of the race with Hot Wheels Cycling Club.
Susy Piscione won the Women’s category from Dayana Mota in second place and Annee Blaum in third. Dayana had the advantage over Susy going up Cay Hill but was unlucky to have a fall at the Maho roundabout on one of the laps but was not hurt. However, she lost time. Had she not fallen it might have been a closer race between her and Susy.
Other mishaps saw Bienvenido “Papie” Carti (Hot Wheels) and Wilmer Azcarate (Tri Sport Tigers) both having flats after falling into a pothole new the WINAIR building.
The Masters Open was won by Tri Sport Tiger’s Otis Cotton who cunningly held back before launching his sprint to deny an over eager Mark Maidwell (SXM Sport Evasion). Maidwell started his attack from the WINAIR building, in hindsight too early while Cotton kept his powder dry until timing the right moment to launch. Xavier Dias from SXtreme Runners was third, Edward Benitez fourth and Steeve Catalan fifth.
Masters 60 plus saw Alfred Berchel (SXM Sport Evasion) win the category, Erlander Munoz was second and Connie Marshall third. The Novice Category was won by Jean-Claude Richardson, Patrick Fleming second and Stephane Chilou third.
Among the cash prizes and vouchers given by Coors Light and other sponsors, Simpson Bay Resort donated a weekend stay and a gym membership to winners of the Masters Open and Elites.
