SIMPSON BAY—Susy Maidwell savoured a well earned moment of glory after winning the Ladies category in 1:02:34 on Sunday at the 2nd Annual Greenhouse Cycling Cup as her brother Mark won the 45 plus category.
The Ladies category for a change saw the biggest field of 20 riders but as usual the business end of the race was dominated by the likes of Susy Maidwell, Liesbeth De Falco, Sandra Garnier, and Nicole Erato when it came down to the wire.
Susy won the sprint seconds ahead of a photo finish between Sandra Garnier and Liesbeth De Falco (both 1:02:55), Sandra just edging in front by half a wheel length. Nicole Erato (1:06:49) was fourth, and Alysha Bosh fifth (1:12:28).
“I got dropped on the lap by the Causeway, and it was so hard to catch the group again because we were riding with the A guys,” said Susy afterwards. “Fortunately Kenny worked with me and we caught the group again. The other girls are stronger than me but I had a lucky break near the finish, seizing an opening in the traffic.”
All classes rode the same course consisting of a circuit around the lagoon with a loop out to the Maho roundabout. Ladies and recreational riders (C class) completed three laps (37K) and the top riders comprising Senior’s (19-44), 45 Plus, and Junior’s completed six laps (75K).
17-year-old Wilfred Chittick from the Cyclone Club won the Junior category, setting the fastest finish time of the day in 2:00:30. Jamari Bryan (Double Trouble) and Hasani Hennis (Double Trouble) crossed the line hand-in-hand in 2:02:58. Hennis had a flat on the last lap but was able to change wheels quickly. Martin Cassey (ASM) was fourth and Kendrick Cozier (ASM) fifth.
Mark Maidwell (Mo Trouble) won the 45 plus category in 2:04:10, Anguilla’s Timothy Richardson, Dick Luttekes (Mo Trouble), Romeo Lake (ASM) and Otis Cotton (Mo Trouble) all finishing after Maidwell with the same time 2:04:45.
“I broke away from the main pack on the small hill by Kentucky Fried Chicken and got a pretty good gap,” said Mark. “I was in the red zone on the airport road and when I turned the corner I saw I still had a good gap. But we had a strong team who chased down any attacks.”
VCG’s Edward Benitez won the Senior category (2:04:40) with Dean Hodge (VCG), Sherwin Osbourne, and Alban Clerc (VCG) all finishing together in 2:04:42). Clerc is still a Junior but elected to ride in the Senior category.
The C Class (three laps) was won by Kendrick Constant (1:02:30), Ahmed Bell second 1:07:10) and Ralph Bredl third (1:07:16). A great ride by the Gioia brothers saw Luis finish in fourth place (1:07:28) and Angel fifth (1:07:45).
The race organised by officials from the Territorial Cycling Committee drew 75 participants. Title sponsor Greenhouse produced lunch and Miller Lite for all the riders. Dessert consisted of three cakes baked in honour of the main sponsors; Greenhouse, Tri Sport, and Vittel Water and Miller Lite.
“It was another great race, “commented Greenhouse General Manager Conan Westemeyer. “We want to keep building on this race to make it the biggest in the Caribbean. For next year we’re working on bringing a Tour de France rider into the mix. His name is David Zabriskie who rode for Lance Armstrong, and has been US time trial champion several times.”
