Conyers & White Reflect On Bronze Medal Wins
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda cyclist Caitlin Conyers said she was thrilled to achieve her goal of winning a medal in the women’s time-trial at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, yesterday [July 5].
Conyers, the first rider to compete in the event, set a time of 28min 35.24sec to claim bronze. Arlenis Sierra, of Cuba, won the race in 27:10.16, with Diana Penuela, of Colombia, coming second in 28:14.77.
The 32-year-old, who recently completed a clean sweep in the Bermuda National Championships – time-trial, road race and criterium – told Bernews: “It’s always exciting to represent Bermuda, and you always want to do well.
“You have your highs and lows in sport. I’m just so happy to be able to compete and do well. My goal was definitely to finish on the podium.
“I’ve raced most of these girls at the Pan American level before and knew where I stood before the race.”
Conyers will be in action in the women’s road race tomorrow.
“The road race is more unpredictable,” she said. “It’s more of a sprinters course, so there could be a bunch sprint at the end.
“It all depends on how it plays out. I hope to be there at the end and see what I can do.
“I don’t quite have the same expectations I had in the time-trial.”
Conyers also praised the performance of Bermuda teammate Conor White, who won bronze in the men’s time-trial after setting a time of 49:55.11 yesterday.
“It was a great day for Bermuda,” Conyers added. “Conor had an awesome race, and the course was perfect for him.”
Conyers added: “I’d like to mention Maria Burgess from United Airlines. Our bikes didn’t make it to El Salvador on our flight and she was really nice at check-in. I said I’d shout her if I got on the podium!”
Miguel Angel Moreno Lopez, of Colombia, won the men’s time-trial in 49:07.94, with his compatriot Walter Vargas coming second in 49:23.54. Bermuda’s Kaden Hopkins placed sixth in 53:05.07.
“[I] came here with the goal of making the podium in the TT,” White wrote on Instagram. “[I’m] really happy I was able to put together a good ride!
“Hot conditions made it really tough, but the course was fast, which suited me well!”
White and Hopkins compete in the men’s road race tomorrow.
