Caitlin Conyers Eyes Second May 24 Title
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Despite being the island’s most decorated women’s cyclist, Caitlin Conyers has claimed just one title in the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race.
Conyers, who won in 2019, has featured sparingly in the annual Bermuda Day event through a mixture of overseas racing commitments or injury.
However, having retired from international competition in December last year, Conyers is competing regularly locally and will be the rider to beat on Friday.
“[The Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race] is the best race on the local calendar by far and the one everyone looks forward to,” Conyers told Bernews.
“It’s one of my goals this season – I may as well use the fitness I still have!
“I’ve been racing locally but not training anywhere nearly as much as I did before.”
When Conyers first took up cycling six-and-a-half years ago, one of her aims was to become the most successful women’s rider in the top local race.
That honour lies with Nicole Mitchell, who has four titles [2011, 2018, 2021 and 2022].
“One of my goals when I first started was to win the most titles – I remember writing that down on a piece of paper,” Conyers added.
“Nicole has three more than me, so I have a long way to go!”
The 34-year-old admits she is slightly disappointed that Panzy Olander, her biggest rival, will not be defending her title.
“Panzy isn’t competing, which is nice because I don’t have to stress as much; however, it’s too bad for the race itself because it would have been exciting to race against each other,” Conyers said.
“She’s super strong and quite different to me – she’s a sprinter.”
Although Conyers no longer eats, sleeps, and breathes the sport like she once did, she said she has enjoyed reintegrating with the island’s thriving cycling community.
“I’ve started playing tennis, so I’ve been splitting my time between sports, but I’m going to compete in the National Championships next month,” said Conyers, who has won medals at the Elite Caribbean Championships, the Pan American and Caribbean Championships, and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
“The cycling community keeps me in the sport – a group ride on Saturday or Sunday attracts 40 or 50 riders!
“The other week, we had 17 riders for a Winners Edge ride on Tuesday morning.
“I want to be part of [cycling] for the next generation, especially the female riders.”
For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning over a decade, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.
- Over 7,000 photos here
- Over 200 videos here
- Holiday graphics here
- History of the race here
- Bermuda Day Timeline here
- Dedicated website: BDADay.com
