Jr Cyclists In Aruba At Cycling Championships
Bermuda’s junior national cycling squad have arrived in Aruba ahead of the 2013 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championship which takes place on Saturday and Sunday [July 27/28].
Seven athletes will represent Bermuda in the races which have attracted a dozen countries from the region to contest the titles. Current junior female champion Bermudian Gabriella Arnold is looking to defend her title in the road race on Sunday alongside teammate Kamryn Minors who is experiencing the competition for the first time.
Arnold’s victory in 2012 will make her a target for the competition but following a reconnaissance ride of the course this morning she feels the circuit is suited to her strengths. With an undulating 7.5 kilometers and varying degrees of pavement, the technical elements plus the prevailing strong breeze of Aruba should provide opportunities for her.
Saturday will see the competitors in the individual time trial along an out-and-back stretch of main road just south of the Reina Beatrix Airport.
Used in 2010 for the road race championship, the exposed course will create some problems for the less powerful riders while the central rise in the course should suit those who can climb with power.
Bermuda’s Junior National Time Trial Champion Justin Ferreira will look to put in a strong performance at his first time at the competition in the 15/16 category. Also competing in the younger age group is Shomari Steede who will compete in both the road race and time trial.
In the 17/18 category, NatWest Island Games mountain biker Deshi Smith will lead the group with Nathaniel Hartwig and Nico Barclay. This trio is looking to make a mark on the toughest category in the championships, one which Bermuda’s Dominique Mayho won in 2011 in Puerto Rico.
Racing starts at 8.00am local time on both days and is hosted by the Aruba Cycling Federation under the auspices of the Caribbean Cycling Federation.
