Mayho Targets 5th Bermuda Day Cycling Title
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dominique Mayho wants to cement his position as the most successful rider in Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race history.
Mayho claimed his fourth title last year to pull one ahead of Kris Hedges and Wayne Scott, who made their mark on the competition with three wins each.
The 28-year-old, who also won in 2012, 2013 and 2018, said he is determined to put further daylight between him and the rest by becoming a five-time winner of the island’s most prestigious cycling race on Friday.
“This is the race every local cyclist wants to win,” Mayho told Bernews. “It’s the one that puts you on the map more than any other local race.
A look back at when Dominique Mayho won the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycling Race in 2012
“It’s a great feeling to win it. Once you get into Hamilton, the streets are packed, and people are calling your name. It’s a super experience.”
Mayho, who raced at the amateur level in Belgium for two years, believes patience is the key factor to winning the 13.1-mile race and stressed the importance of having tactically proficient teammates.
“I’ve lost this race a few times because of impatience and making wrong decisions at crucial times,” said Mayho, who races for VT Construction.
“In a regular road race, you have enough time to recover from bad decisions, but in this race, because it’s so short, they can prove costly. The secret is to keep calm and race your race.
“Team tactics are vital, especially at the beginning of the race.
“If you start on the front and use a lot of your energy, it can come back to bite you in the end.
“If I can get help from my teammates early on, I can save myself for the finish. My teammates are probably the stronger guys locally, and that helps.”
As a sprint specialist, Mayho said he backs himself to prevail if he can swing into Cedar Avenue as part of the lead pack.
“I know I can sprint with anyone on the island,” he added. “If I don’t get off on the front, I still have a good chance of winning.
“I don’t mind approaching the finish line with other people in the group.”
Although there are still six places available in Bermuda’s squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer, Mayho said he is not in contention but will attend as the cycling team manager.
Caitlin Conyers was among ten athletes confirmed for the Games last month, while Kaden Hopkins will likely join her in the squad.
Mayho competed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
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