SIMPSON BAY—Judging by the number of cyclists on the road in the last few days, the bet is that most of them are training for the Coors Light Airport Road Classic to be organised by Hot Wheels Cycling Club and Tri Sport Tigers this coming Sunday. Could that have been rising star Andy Guibreteau leading a high-speed group late Sunday afternoon?
The signs are pointing to a highly competitive event coming up on Sunday with all the clubs from Dutch and French sides taking part. Throw in Masters, Veterans dusting off their cycling shoes and weekend warriors and you have a great mix of age groups.
“It was important to have a safe race and not to have intersections to cross so that’s why we chose this course which is mostly on the flat,” explained St. Maarten Cycling Federation’s Susy Piscione. “The race is in the morning between 8 and 10:00am so we are asking all the motorists to be aware of the cyclists on the road at that time. The police will also be assisting us.
“The race will be interesting because we don’t have a junior category so some of those really strong juniors will be racing in the elite category, she added. “Also, it looks like we are going to have a record number of entries in the 60 plus category.”
The five categories are Novice, Women, Elite, Masters Open (over 40) and Masters 60 Plus.
“The Commissaires from the French side will be assisting us counting the laps and recording the finishes so it will be a well organised event.”
Despite the disappointment experienced by the five riders from the St. Martin selection who took part in the French Championships recently in the Cadet and Junior categories, there is always next year to look forward to, now that coaches are aware of the training required for that level of competition.
One rider who did taste success in France was Wilson Sanon who won his Junior race on August 7 before the championships. It was not known if Wilson will be racing on Sunday, but a renewed rivalry with Andy Guibreteau will be something to look forward to. Otherwise expect to see all the usual suspects.
Registration is online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1Lx7KB22zJStWuhp5S8XnY05MCufzc9jVdWYkUBagNqtQmw/viewform
Numbers can be picked up on the day before the event on August 27 at Tri-Sport in Simpson Bay or one hour before the event at 7:00am on August 28 at the start. At this time, the entry fee of US$10 or 10 euros will be requested.
