SIMPSON BAY—Larry Lutin from the Karukera Assainissement Team from Guadeloupe won the two kilometre prologue held on the Causeway Bridge last night and will wear the NAGICO leader’s jersey going into Saturday first 85K race.
His time was 2:37: 42. In second place was Adelio Brooks from the St. Martin Selection team with an excellent time of 2: 41.48 that will put him in a very good position for today’s race. Third fastest rider was Vincent Louiche from Team JCO in 2:43:94.
Nicolas Dumont from the dominant Velo Club de Grand Case (VCG) team and twice the overall winner of the event was ninth in 2:48:62. However with two big stages to complete a good time trial does not necessarily a rider will go on to do well as everyone has different strengths. VCG are once again presenting a very strong team with Dumont, former winner Ludovic Turpin, Gregory Errin and Gregory Blondin in the seven-man team.
Some 40 riders took part in the time trial including Cadets and Juniors, however only the senior results were available by press time. The weather was perfect for the time trial, with just a hint of a breeze.
Missing at the time-trial was last year’s prologue winner, Dean Hodge Jr, who is focusing on other upcoming races and also VCG’s Alban Clerc who is competing in Europe. Former Tour de France retired rider Richard Virenque also could not be here as he is abroad commentating for the Tour of Italy.
The opening ceremony was attended by First Vice-President of the Collectivité for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Valérie Damaseau, and Head of Service Jeunesse, Priscilla Bade. Also present for the opening and ribbon cutting were the executives from title sponsor NAGICO. They included Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dwayne Elgin, Chief Risk Officer Kiera Alie, Director from the NAGICO office in Marigot, David Menissier, Marketing Director Lisa Brown-Mackay and marketing colleagues, and members of the NAGICO support team.
“We are very grateful for the cyclists who have come here from near and far, the organisers, cycling clubs and all those who play a part in making this event a success every year, NAGICO is very appreciative of your contributions and we look forward to being part of this event for years to come,” said Elgin. “We do ask everyone to be safe. Safety comes first. But be competitive as you can and we wish you all much success.”
Said Vice-President Damaseau: “One of our priorities is to encourage the practice of sporting activities and to work with a major league to create an excellence in sports center and organise events to showcase our numerous hidden talents. I wish to congratulate the organisers for your tremendous efforts in putting this on every year. To the riders I wish you a safe and fair competition.”
Other opening remarks were made by VCG President St. Elmo Arnell and VCG co-founder and coordinator Rene Arnell, and President of the Guadeloupe Cycling Committee.
Gilbert Rousseau was the emcee and commentator for the time trial. Today’s 85K race starts at 8:00am from the Tackling Insurances Office in Bellevue, Marigot, and finishes in Grand Case.
